Tooro mourns princess Nyakairu

TRIBUTE

Tributes have been paid to Adyeri Plaxeda Nyakairu, a Princess (Omubitookati) of Tooro Kingdom who passed on last week at the age of 98. Omubitookati Nyakairu was the wife of the late Joseph Nyakairu, the former treasurer of Tooro Kingdom.

Nyakairu was widely acknowledged as a seasoned entrepreneur and opinion leader, who always gave people wise counsel. She was also respected for her Catholic devotion and generosity.

Joseph Nyakairu, a grand-son, pays tribute to the late Nyakairu on behalf of the grand-children

 
Delivering his homily during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral, the Bishop of Kasana-Luweero diocese, Paul Ssemwogerere said of Nyakairu: "She loved God with all her heart which was why she always supported religious causes. She was a prayerful woman, who always frequented spiritual centres like Kiwamirembe Shrine and the Vincentian Prayer Centre in Entebbe in order to have a closer encounter with her God."

Chad Nyakairu, the eldest son, also said: "Our mother was a friend and counselor to many people. Even during her illness, she checked on people and prayed for them accordingly. She had deep commitment to the needy and vulnerable people. She also stood out as a seasoned businesswoman and entrepreneur."

Bishop Paul Ssemwogerere lays a wreath on the casket containing the remains of the late Omubitookati Adyeri Plaxeda Nyakairu during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral

 
A brief on Nyakairu (1920-2018)

Omubitookati Adyeri Plaxeda Nyakairu was born in 1920 to Atwoki Caji and Ateenyi Bwogo. Her family lived in Makarra.

She got married to Joseph Nyakairu (a former treasurer of Tooro Kingdom) in 1937. Together with her husband, they founded Nyakairu Tea Estate.

At that time, Africans were not allowed to grow cash crops. So, they influenced a change in the Law to allow Ugandans to grow cash-crops like tea, paving the way for others to follow.

In addition to their main business, Adyeri undertook other small enterprises like baking bread, selling salt and food farming to support her family.

The Attorney General, William Byaruhanga lays a wreath on the casket bearing the remains of the late Nyakairu

 
Following the death of her husband in 1968, she continued to work hard to educate and raise her ten children.

In 1980, she went to live in the United States with her daughter Cecilia Bennet's family for around 20 years.

On her return from the US, she continued to be active in business and subsequently built Koi Koi cultural centre and lodge. After the time of her death, she was completing a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Omubitookati Nyakairu was buried at her home in Kabarole District on Saturday. She was mourned by hundreds of people.

A cross-section of mourners during the requiem mass