What my mom means to me
May 08, 2008
EVERYONE has a story to tell about their mum. It could be that first time when she cried with you when you fell down on your first attempt to stand. It could even be the words she told you as a child which have shaped your life.
EVERYONE has a story to tell about their mum. It could be that first time when she cried with you when you fell down on your first attempt to stand. It could even be the words she told you as a child which have shaped your life. Prominent personalities share their stories with Arthur Baguma and Stephen Ssenkaaba
Hon Cecilia Ogwal, the MP Dokolo
I can never love my mother enough. I do not think I can ever do anything to feel I have made up for what she has done for us. At an advanced age, she is still more worried about our wellbeing. At 80, she still tends to the gardens.
And the reason she does that is to make sure that whenever her children and grand children visit her, they find food to eat. The image I have of my mother is that of a sacrificial pillar in the family.
Although she was less educated compared to my father, she was a pillar of discipline. My mother tried to inculcate into her children a high sense of morality and responsibility.
And we have all taken up her character and qualities. I am responsible and a peace maker — I got that from my mother.
Kibirige Ssebunya, The Minister of State for Agriculture
I do not have any memories of my mum. I was about three years when she died. But I am grateful to my elder sisters Meriosi Nakitto and Rovinsa Kibirige who brought me up.
They looked after me so well that I survived without a mother. I also thank my father because he always cared to know how I progressed in school.
Mothers should always behave and make sure that their children are well brought up and well educated for this will enable them to become independent.
Abdul Nadduli,
The former Luweero LC5 chairman
Since birth, my mother has been there for me. She fed me, took care of me and was my first teacher. My fondest memories of her as a child were quite many because I grew up around her. I still remember the times I spent with her listening to her advice.
I could not have got this advice anywhere else. The greatest sacrifice my mother ever made was to give birth to me; some mothers abort, others throw their children in dustbins; she did not. And there is absolutely nothing I would have wanted to change about her.
Mariam Ndagire, actor and musician
My mother was always away on business and whenever she was away, our aunties took care of us. The few times she came home are my fondest memories. My siblings and I cherished every time we spent with her.
Whenever she came back she brought us gifts and lots of beautiful things. As a single mum, she gave up a lot to raise us. She put in a lot of time and effort to ensure our wellbeing. That was a great sacrifice.
If I had to change one thing about her, that would be her attitude about my career choice. Mum did not approve of my singing and acting. But here I am doing well. If she were here, I would have asked her to reconsider her misgivings.
Hon Kahinda Otafiire, Local government Minister
Eeehhh! Mothers’ what? What is Mother’s Day? Please, I have told you, if you do not have anything good to do, do not do it with me. Ok? I said please do not waste my time (hangs up).
Capt Francis Babu, former minister
My mother passed away in 1990. Even before the call asking me about Mother’s Day, I had been reminiscing about her. I was sitting and hearing her laughter when you called me.
She single-handedly raised me because my father passed away when I was young. I have fond memories of her. My mother put a lot of emphasis on appearance and groomed me to live with that attribute in life.
She was a staunch Catholic and loved singing for me every night before bed. One of the many lullabies I remember is a song called Good Night Irene. She loved the song and would hum it when in the kitchen.
My mother had a great personality — she was very strict on education and would even crack the cane if I did not take books seriously.
Fagil Mandy, Education consultant
My mother taught me the virtues of hard work and she put it into my head that education was my only sister and brother.
She said: “Mandy, you have neither a sister nor a brother. Books are your brother and sister.†I was only eight years when she introduced me to my only ‘brother and sister.’
And that was my turning point. If I could turn back the hand of time, I would take her back to her hey days; when she was a village belle. “I wish she did not grow old. My mother was very beautiful and in her village, they used to call her Mary Kiragara.
Capt. Mike Mukula, former state minister for health
My 80-year-old mother groomed me into being hard working, clean and smart. To appreciate this, I have a surprise for her this Mother’s Day. I want to pray for her and thank God for her life. There is always one mother in the world to a person.
My mother is loving, caring and religious. If I had a chance to change anything about my mother, I would make her look younger and live longer.
Betty Amongi, MP Apac
My mother is an inspiration to me. Being a teacher, she was strict and would not allow me to move out of home aimlessly. She instilled in me basic life skills, which helped me in my adult life. But most of all, she always sacrificed for me.
Many times I would leave home without pocket money, but at the last minute, something would appear from her. She is still alive and is 62 years old. Happy Mother’s Day mom!
Namirembe Bitamazire, the Minister of Education and Sports
I liked my mother very much. Every moment with her was special. I especially enjoyed the time we spent in the gardens during holidays. She prepared us good food and talked to us about being responsible.
She told us stories about culture and morals. Unfortunately, she died when I was 28. My mother sacrificed a lot for us go to school. She worked in the garden and sold coffee to educate us.
She worked hard in times when women did not own lots of money. If I had to change one thing about her, it would be her lack of education. I wish my mother had gone to school.
Annet Nandujja, singer/dancer
I am proud of my mother and I cherish all the times I spent under her care. I am proud of the fact that she was a tough woman. She hated lies and was a hard worker. I adopted all these values and they have helped me in life.
She sacrificed a lot to send me to school even when she was a poor peasant with limited funds. If I would change anything about mom, I would have sent her to school.
Dr Augustus Nuwagaba, consultant on poverty and lecturer at Makerere University
My late mother taught me three virtues that have stuck with me through life. These were; discipline, hard work and the love of God. I have put these three virtues at the forefront of my life and they are what have made me who I am today.
The little success I have achieved is because of the words my mother told me when I was a child. My mother was too much of a disciplinarian who would not stand any diversion from good morals; she was straight forward and strict.
Sometimes I wish she had been a little more compromising because she made me look at life rather too seriously. And you know too much of anything is not always good.
Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, Vice Chancellor Makerere University
I have heard about Mother’s Day in church, but it is a day that will not mean much to me especially without my mother who died. I remember my mother for being a loving mother. She was full of love.
Fred Ruhindi MP Nakawa, State minister for justice and constitutional affairs
My mother loves unconditionally and cherishes progress in life. She has inspired me to progress. She is now about 78 years, but she is a caring person. If I was to change something about her, I would make her grow younger and more energetic.
Angelina Wapakhabulo, woman activist
This is quite emotional because my mother passed away 11 years ago. But memories of her are still fresh in my mind. She was a loving and caring mother. She used to cook for us special dishes whose recipes no one knew.
She had an ear for her children more than our father who was a strict disciplinarian. She was a shoulder to lean on, not only for us but even our father at times.
She was such a down-to-earth and hard working woman who sacrificed all she had for her children including those who were not her biological children.
Sara Ntiro, first woman graduate in Uganda
My fondest memories of mother were during my childhood days. She cared for me, making sure I was safe and slept well. She sent me to school where she had been a student and a teacher. She always cared for me and put me right.
When I got a bicycle from England for example, she did not like the idea of me riding. She said: A well-brought up girl does not ride a bicycle. I was disappointed, but I gave it up because I respected her.
My mother sacrificed a lot to send me to school at a time when girls were being married off at 14. I joined Budo and later went to England to pursue further studies. I would never have wished my mother to be different. She was a person of her times and a role model.
Charles Mbiire, businessman
My mother took me to church and introduced me to God when I was about one or two years. She put the fear of God in me.
The greatest sacrifice my mum made for me was to educate me. She gave up a lot of personal comfort to give me the best that was available then within her ability.
If I had to change one thing about my mum, I would turn her into a man because she is as tough as a man (laughs). Anyway, If I had my way, I would make her live for 1,000 years.
Mary Karooro Okurut, NRM spokesperson
My mother was gentle, loving and very caring. She was always there for me. Every time I came back home, she would offer me a glass of milk, yet she knew I did not love milk.
But she would insist on giving me milk every other day. She really cared and watched over us all the time. Anything I would have changed about her remains my secret.
Hon Cecilia Ogwal, the MP Dokolo
I can never love my mother enough. I do not think I can ever do anything to feel I have made up for what she has done for us. At an advanced age, she is still more worried about our wellbeing. At 80, she still tends to the gardens.
And the reason she does that is to make sure that whenever her children and grand children visit her, they find food to eat. The image I have of my mother is that of a sacrificial pillar in the family.
Although she was less educated compared to my father, she was a pillar of discipline. My mother tried to inculcate into her children a high sense of morality and responsibility.
And we have all taken up her character and qualities. I am responsible and a peace maker — I got that from my mother.
Kibirige Ssebunya, The Minister of State for Agriculture
I do not have any memories of my mum. I was about three years when she died. But I am grateful to my elder sisters Meriosi Nakitto and Rovinsa Kibirige who brought me up.
They looked after me so well that I survived without a mother. I also thank my father because he always cared to know how I progressed in school.
Mothers should always behave and make sure that their children are well brought up and well educated for this will enable them to become independent.
Abdul Nadduli,
The former Luweero LC5 chairman
Since birth, my mother has been there for me. She fed me, took care of me and was my first teacher. My fondest memories of her as a child were quite many because I grew up around her. I still remember the times I spent with her listening to her advice.
I could not have got this advice anywhere else. The greatest sacrifice my mother ever made was to give birth to me; some mothers abort, others throw their children in dustbins; she did not. And there is absolutely nothing I would have wanted to change about her.
Mariam Ndagire, actor and musician
My mother was always away on business and whenever she was away, our aunties took care of us. The few times she came home are my fondest memories. My siblings and I cherished every time we spent with her.
Whenever she came back she brought us gifts and lots of beautiful things. As a single mum, she gave up a lot to raise us. She put in a lot of time and effort to ensure our wellbeing. That was a great sacrifice.
If I had to change one thing about her, that would be her attitude about my career choice. Mum did not approve of my singing and acting. But here I am doing well. If she were here, I would have asked her to reconsider her misgivings.
Hon Kahinda Otafiire, Local government Minister
Eeehhh! Mothers’ what? What is Mother’s Day? Please, I have told you, if you do not have anything good to do, do not do it with me. Ok? I said please do not waste my time (hangs up).
Capt Francis Babu, former minister
My mother passed away in 1990. Even before the call asking me about Mother’s Day, I had been reminiscing about her. I was sitting and hearing her laughter when you called me.
She single-handedly raised me because my father passed away when I was young. I have fond memories of her. My mother put a lot of emphasis on appearance and groomed me to live with that attribute in life.
She was a staunch Catholic and loved singing for me every night before bed. One of the many lullabies I remember is a song called Good Night Irene. She loved the song and would hum it when in the kitchen.
My mother had a great personality — she was very strict on education and would even crack the cane if I did not take books seriously.
Fagil Mandy, Education consultant
My mother taught me the virtues of hard work and she put it into my head that education was my only sister and brother.
She said: “Mandy, you have neither a sister nor a brother. Books are your brother and sister.†I was only eight years when she introduced me to my only ‘brother and sister.’
And that was my turning point. If I could turn back the hand of time, I would take her back to her hey days; when she was a village belle. “I wish she did not grow old. My mother was very beautiful and in her village, they used to call her Mary Kiragara.
Capt. Mike Mukula, former state minister for health
My 80-year-old mother groomed me into being hard working, clean and smart. To appreciate this, I have a surprise for her this Mother’s Day. I want to pray for her and thank God for her life. There is always one mother in the world to a person.
My mother is loving, caring and religious. If I had a chance to change anything about my mother, I would make her look younger and live longer.
Betty Amongi, MP Apac
My mother is an inspiration to me. Being a teacher, she was strict and would not allow me to move out of home aimlessly. She instilled in me basic life skills, which helped me in my adult life. But most of all, she always sacrificed for me.
Many times I would leave home without pocket money, but at the last minute, something would appear from her. She is still alive and is 62 years old. Happy Mother’s Day mom!
Namirembe Bitamazire, the Minister of Education and Sports
I liked my mother very much. Every moment with her was special. I especially enjoyed the time we spent in the gardens during holidays. She prepared us good food and talked to us about being responsible.
She told us stories about culture and morals. Unfortunately, she died when I was 28. My mother sacrificed a lot for us go to school. She worked in the garden and sold coffee to educate us.
She worked hard in times when women did not own lots of money. If I had to change one thing about her, it would be her lack of education. I wish my mother had gone to school.
Annet Nandujja, singer/dancer
I am proud of my mother and I cherish all the times I spent under her care. I am proud of the fact that she was a tough woman. She hated lies and was a hard worker. I adopted all these values and they have helped me in life.
She sacrificed a lot to send me to school even when she was a poor peasant with limited funds. If I would change anything about mom, I would have sent her to school.
Dr Augustus Nuwagaba, consultant on poverty and lecturer at Makerere University
My late mother taught me three virtues that have stuck with me through life. These were; discipline, hard work and the love of God. I have put these three virtues at the forefront of my life and they are what have made me who I am today.
The little success I have achieved is because of the words my mother told me when I was a child. My mother was too much of a disciplinarian who would not stand any diversion from good morals; she was straight forward and strict.
Sometimes I wish she had been a little more compromising because she made me look at life rather too seriously. And you know too much of anything is not always good.
Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, Vice Chancellor Makerere University
I have heard about Mother’s Day in church, but it is a day that will not mean much to me especially without my mother who died. I remember my mother for being a loving mother. She was full of love.
Fred Ruhindi MP Nakawa, State minister for justice and constitutional affairs
My mother loves unconditionally and cherishes progress in life. She has inspired me to progress. She is now about 78 years, but she is a caring person. If I was to change something about her, I would make her grow younger and more energetic.
Angelina Wapakhabulo, woman activist
This is quite emotional because my mother passed away 11 years ago. But memories of her are still fresh in my mind. She was a loving and caring mother. She used to cook for us special dishes whose recipes no one knew.
She had an ear for her children more than our father who was a strict disciplinarian. She was a shoulder to lean on, not only for us but even our father at times.
She was such a down-to-earth and hard working woman who sacrificed all she had for her children including those who were not her biological children.
Sara Ntiro, first woman graduate in Uganda
My fondest memories of mother were during my childhood days. She cared for me, making sure I was safe and slept well. She sent me to school where she had been a student and a teacher. She always cared for me and put me right.
When I got a bicycle from England for example, she did not like the idea of me riding. She said: A well-brought up girl does not ride a bicycle. I was disappointed, but I gave it up because I respected her.
My mother sacrificed a lot to send me to school at a time when girls were being married off at 14. I joined Budo and later went to England to pursue further studies. I would never have wished my mother to be different. She was a person of her times and a role model.
Charles Mbiire, businessman
My mother took me to church and introduced me to God when I was about one or two years. She put the fear of God in me.
The greatest sacrifice my mum made for me was to educate me. She gave up a lot of personal comfort to give me the best that was available then within her ability.
If I had to change one thing about my mum, I would turn her into a man because she is as tough as a man (laughs). Anyway, If I had my way, I would make her live for 1,000 years.
Mary Karooro Okurut, NRM spokesperson
My mother was gentle, loving and very caring. She was always there for me. Every time I came back home, she would offer me a glass of milk, yet she knew I did not love milk.
But she would insist on giving me milk every other day. She really cared and watched over us all the time. Anything I would have changed about her remains my secret.