Prayers held for fallen singer Harriet Kisakye

A funeral service is being held today at St. Gyaviira Catholic Church for fallen Ugandan musician Harriet Kisakye.

By Jeff Andrew Lule

WAKISO – A funeral service is being held today at St. Gyaviira Catholic Church in Bunamwaya for fallen Ugandan musician Harriet Kisakye who died on Saturday.

It is at this church’s cemetery that the 39-year-old singer will be laid to rest later on Monday.

As a parishioner at the church, Kisakye had told the local priest that she wanted to be buried in the church cemetery.

A close family friend, Abdul Lukoda, said doctors confirmed that the musician died of kidney failure.

The kidneys, according to the doctors, affected the functioning of other body organs such as the liver, heart and pancreas, which also interrupted the blood flow.

At the time of her death, family members and friends were organizing to take her abroad for specialized treatment.

She was admitted to Mulago Referral Hospital, Kampala three weeks ago and later transferred to International Hospital Kampala (IHK) last week.

This was after former Forum for Democratic Change party president, Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye offered to contribute to her medical bills.

Grief-stricken mourners at the vigil at the National Theatre on Sunday. (Photo credit: Abou Kisige)

Kisakye has left behind two children: Marvin Kiberu, 15 and Shakul Kawoya, 7. (Photo credit: Abou Kisige)

Speakers at the Sunday night vigil described the fallen musician as a kind and humble person. (Photo credit: Abou Kisige)

Lukoda told New Vision that Kisakye was transferred to IHK to filter harmful wastes and excessive fluids from her blood system.

Hundreds of mourners thronged the National Theatre to attend the vigil on Sunday. A-Plus Funeral Services, a funeral management company, delivered the body at around 8pm local for the vigil on a somber night.

Speakers, including politicians and fellow musicians, described Kisakye as a kind, humble and respectful young person who always listened to every advice given to her.

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Born in 1979 in Kayunga town council, Wakiso district, Kisakye was a daughter of Charles Musisi and the late Lillian Namwangye.

She went to Nansana Primary School and St. Augustine College School Wakiso for her primary and secondary education respectively.

She began singing in 2004, when she joined Pride Band and later moved to Josam's band.

Kisakye later started Riders Band.

She is known for songs such as 'Ekinageria, Kandaha, Nnigiina and Gyenvudde'.

Kisakye last performed on March 3, 2015, at a concert in Kalangala.

She is survived by two children aged 15 and seven.