Bishop Luwalira praises former Gayaza deputy headteacher Ann Cutler
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The Anglican Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira has spoken highly of Ann Cutler, a former teacher and headteacher of Gayaza High School, who passed on in the UK last month at the age of 86.
He described her as a virtuous teacher, who made a significant contribution to education in the diocese and the Church of the Province of Uganda.
Luwalira delivered his tribute message during Cutler's memorial service at St. Paul's Cathedral Namirembe on Friday.
The scientific payer service was graced by a number of prominent old girls, who also paid warm tributes to their former teacher.
The reigning headteacher, Robinah Kizito said: "Miss Ann Cutler was somebody so great yet simple in nature. She spent 40 years at Gayaza but she taught every day of her life. She was a superb instructor of Physical Education, a versatile sports coach. She taught us various games: Netball, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Javelin and Badminton. We also remember her for the popular Doosdo Scottish Country Dance.
"She was an inspirational Chaplain. She always organised chaplaincy activities with total dedication. She hosted Bible Study sessions at her home for the staff members. She was a true Born-again Christian with an unquestionable dedication to God and His Kingdom. She was kind, humble and very generous. She loved deeply. She extended care to the less privileged.
"She had a great sense of security, always inquiring about unknown faces and activities at the school. She used to walk around the school with her dog, Chiffy, and her torch during the night, to ensure that students don't get into danger or mischief. She knew all her students by their back-side and heels.
Kizito further acknowledged Cutler's charity towards the school's needy students. She later announced a plan by the school to build a befitting monument at the school and also, to institute a sports tournament in honour of Cutler.
Other Gayaza alumni such as Prof. Maggie Kigozi and Rev. Canon Diana Nkesiga (who was the homilist) also expressed their admiration of Cutler, stressing her practical commitment to the holistic development of her students and the empowerment of Ugandan women in general.
Nkesiga asked the Gayaza alumni to keep up the standards that Cutler set.
"She never gave up. Even during the bloody regimes and wars of the 70s and 80s, she never went back to the UK. She remained here and suffered with us. Let us emulate her discipline, mentorship, inspiration, courage and commitment to Gayaza and Uganda."
The alumni were excited when Nkesiga informed them that the British government had honoured Cutler with the award of Member of British Empire (MBE), the third-highest order of the British Empire, in appreciation of her impactful missionary education service at Gayaza.
During the service, the alumni sang very beautiful hymns, which they used to sing with Cutler. Interestingly, the songs were selected by Cutler herself, when she was still alive. They included Our Father (Cutler's favourite melody), St. Patrick's Breastplate and the majestic Easter hymn, Thine be the glory.
Gayaza's musical alumni Rosebud Stella Mubiru Masaba, Rebbeca Ssabaganzi (the President of the alumni), the Rev. Lovincer Nalusiba Kiwanuka (reigning chaplain) and the Rev. Florence Isabirye Muranga led the singing.
There were some emotional scenes, the most evident of which was the lighting of candles at the flower-ornamented portrait of Ann Cutler. The emotion-laden function was performed by the reigning headteacher, Robinah Kizito and her predecessor, Victoria Kisarale.
