She lived up to the meaning of her name
Feb 18, 2007
SHE lived a life that literally depicted the true meaning of her name. When translated into Runyankore, her local dialect, Karungi means beautiful, good or something nice. And until the cruel hand of death snatched her last week, Winfred Karungi Otafiire lived her name in practice.
By Arthur Baguma
SHE lived a life that literally depicted the true meaning of her name. When translated into Runyankore, her local dialect, Karungi means beautiful, good or something nice. And until the cruel hand of death snatched her last week, Winfred Karungi Otafiire lived her name in practice.
Karungi, the wife of Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, succumbed to death after a long battle with breast cancer.
Otafiire is Member of Parliament for Ruhinda and the local government minister.
Karungi passed away in a South African hospital on February 9. She was laid to rest at Kashenshero, Ruhinda, Bushenyi district on Friday.
Friends and relatives say Karungi was as good as the meaning of her name. Mary Karooro Okurut, Woman MP for Bushenyi and a friend of Karungi, described her as someone who lived an exemplary life.
“Death is the final destination for all of us, but how you are remembered when you leave. Karungi will be remembered for her motherly and loving heart,†Karooro said.
During her funeral service at All Saints Cathedral last Thursday, speaker after speaker described Karungi as a young lady, who touched the hearts of many. Condolence messages came in from all over the world. Many described her as a humanitarian, a dedicated mother and loving wife.
President Yoweri Museveni, one of the mourners at the funeral service, described her death as a continuation of life. He said in life, matter is indestructible, but only changes form.
He said Karungi’s life will continue in the three children she left behind: Fidel Mugarura (11), Henina Kamayonza (13) and Franchesca Kamakondere (6).
To keen followers of Maj.Gen. Otafiire’s political life, Karungi played a pivotal role in the political fortunes of her husband. She hit the campaign trail every time her husband was campaigning. Her presence and role saw Otafiire stay abreast and on top of his political endeavours.
A close relative said although quite apolitical, Karungi accompanied her husband at political rallies.
Amanya Mushega, a close friend of Otafiire’s family, said Karungi was a kind and hospitable person.
Karungi was the first-born — a position that prepared her to take up responsibilities early in life.
Merian Kerere, the mother of the deceased, said Karungi was very helpful to her siblings and guided them.
In a moving speech, Karungi’s mother described her as a gifted person with resolve. “She looked after her siblings and helped so many people to live a better life. By the time she passed away, she had given her life to Christ.â€
A tribute from her siblings, revealed she lived a quality life. Karungi was still young, energetic and agile. She was going to celebrate her 38th birthday next month.
“With her soft voice and honesty, she made a myriad of friends,†Edrina Karugire Kanyamunyu, a friend said.
During the last hours of her life, Karungi did not look scared. She never showed any signs that she was in pain. She kept her trademark smile and cut a pose of someone who was sure of and contented with where she was going. The Minister of Works and Communication, John Nasasira, compared Karungi to her father, the late Alfred Kerere. He said like her father, Karungi had traits of a leader, with a magnetic personality and a loving heart — always willing to toil an extra mile just to better the lives of others.
Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire described his wife as a friend, adding that their relationship was not one of mere love. “I wouldn’t say ours was love. We were simply friends who could not live without one another. And I think this was more than love,†Otafiire said.
Otafiire in a composed mood, typical of his character even during trying moments, said he was always humbled by Karungi’s personality.
Otafiire said she used to smile even in the midst of a crisis. “I never heard her raise her voice,†Otafiire confessed.
In a moving narration, he explained the long journey of pain that his wife endured. He said that about two years ago, while at home, Karungi felt pain in her left breast. She was taken to hospital for a check up. The test revealed she had cancer. From that time, Karungi took the battle of fighting the cancer head on until she passed away.
Karungi was born in 1969 to Merian and Alfred Karere, of Buremba Kazo in Kiruhura district.
She spent her early days at her parent’s home village and attended primary at Buremba Primary School.
Later, she joined Nganwa High School for her Ordinary Level before joining Nabisunsa Girls’ School for her Advanced Level.
She enrolled at Makerere University, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences. Karungi and Otafiire got married in 1995.
SHE lived a life that literally depicted the true meaning of her name. When translated into Runyankore, her local dialect, Karungi means beautiful, good or something nice. And until the cruel hand of death snatched her last week, Winfred Karungi Otafiire lived her name in practice.
Karungi, the wife of Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, succumbed to death after a long battle with breast cancer.
Otafiire is Member of Parliament for Ruhinda and the local government minister.
Karungi passed away in a South African hospital on February 9. She was laid to rest at Kashenshero, Ruhinda, Bushenyi district on Friday.
Friends and relatives say Karungi was as good as the meaning of her name. Mary Karooro Okurut, Woman MP for Bushenyi and a friend of Karungi, described her as someone who lived an exemplary life.
“Death is the final destination for all of us, but how you are remembered when you leave. Karungi will be remembered for her motherly and loving heart,†Karooro said.
During her funeral service at All Saints Cathedral last Thursday, speaker after speaker described Karungi as a young lady, who touched the hearts of many. Condolence messages came in from all over the world. Many described her as a humanitarian, a dedicated mother and loving wife.
President Yoweri Museveni, one of the mourners at the funeral service, described her death as a continuation of life. He said in life, matter is indestructible, but only changes form.
He said Karungi’s life will continue in the three children she left behind: Fidel Mugarura (11), Henina Kamayonza (13) and Franchesca Kamakondere (6).
To keen followers of Maj.Gen. Otafiire’s political life, Karungi played a pivotal role in the political fortunes of her husband. She hit the campaign trail every time her husband was campaigning. Her presence and role saw Otafiire stay abreast and on top of his political endeavours.
A close relative said although quite apolitical, Karungi accompanied her husband at political rallies.
Amanya Mushega, a close friend of Otafiire’s family, said Karungi was a kind and hospitable person.
Karungi was the first-born — a position that prepared her to take up responsibilities early in life.
Merian Kerere, the mother of the deceased, said Karungi was very helpful to her siblings and guided them.
In a moving speech, Karungi’s mother described her as a gifted person with resolve. “She looked after her siblings and helped so many people to live a better life. By the time she passed away, she had given her life to Christ.â€
A tribute from her siblings, revealed she lived a quality life. Karungi was still young, energetic and agile. She was going to celebrate her 38th birthday next month.
“With her soft voice and honesty, she made a myriad of friends,†Edrina Karugire Kanyamunyu, a friend said.
During the last hours of her life, Karungi did not look scared. She never showed any signs that she was in pain. She kept her trademark smile and cut a pose of someone who was sure of and contented with where she was going. The Minister of Works and Communication, John Nasasira, compared Karungi to her father, the late Alfred Kerere. He said like her father, Karungi had traits of a leader, with a magnetic personality and a loving heart — always willing to toil an extra mile just to better the lives of others.
Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire described his wife as a friend, adding that their relationship was not one of mere love. “I wouldn’t say ours was love. We were simply friends who could not live without one another. And I think this was more than love,†Otafiire said.
Otafiire in a composed mood, typical of his character even during trying moments, said he was always humbled by Karungi’s personality.
Otafiire said she used to smile even in the midst of a crisis. “I never heard her raise her voice,†Otafiire confessed.
In a moving narration, he explained the long journey of pain that his wife endured. He said that about two years ago, while at home, Karungi felt pain in her left breast. She was taken to hospital for a check up. The test revealed she had cancer. From that time, Karungi took the battle of fighting the cancer head on until she passed away.
Karungi was born in 1969 to Merian and Alfred Karere, of Buremba Kazo in Kiruhura district.
She spent her early days at her parent’s home village and attended primary at Buremba Primary School.
Later, she joined Nganwa High School for her Ordinary Level before joining Nabisunsa Girls’ School for her Advanced Level.
She enrolled at Makerere University, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences. Karungi and Otafiire got married in 1995.