Butaleja Mourns Centenarian Mother of Doctors at Age 102
By Ambrose Wanagoli
Residents of Butaleja District on Thursday gathered in large numbers at Triangle II Cell in Nabiganda Town Council to bid farewell to Egras Mwima Nambejja, a 102-year-old woman remembered for her long life, strong family values, and community influence.
Nambejja, the mother of Dr John Mudusu, a well-known medical officer in Butaleja District, and Mr Douson Gessa, a retired principal of technical institutes, died on Tuesday after spending 10 days admitted at Busolwe General Hospital, where she had been treated for malaria and breathing complications.
Her passing drew mourners from across the district, with family members, local leaders, and religious figures describing her as a unifying and compassionate figure who played a central role in raising and guiding her family.
During the funeral service, her son Mr Douson Gessa expressed gratitude for his mother’s long life, describing her as a disciplined and prayerful parent who supported her children through hard work and farming.
He said Nambejja was not only a mother but also a counsellor and a source of guidance to many in the community, adding that her influence extended beyond her immediate family.
Another family member, John Guloba, reflected on the family’s remarkable longevity, noting that their late father, David Kabasa, lived to the age of 125 years.
He described their mother as a peacemaker who lived a life of humility, sacrifice, and commitment to education, despite the challenges of rural livelihoods.
Guloba added that her determination enabled her to support the education of her children through subsistence farming, which he said remains a lasting legacy for the family.
The service was presided over by Rev. Canon Christine Robina Bamuleseyo from Busoga Diocese of the Church of Uganda, who delivered a sermon highlighting the moral lessons associated with long life.
She said longevity is often linked to righteous living, compassion, and avoidance of practices such as corruption, theft, and involvement in shrines, urging mourners to embrace integrity and community service.
The cleric encouraged Christians to live purposeful lives, noting that good deeds and faithfulness contribute to peaceful and meaningful long life.
Nambejja’s death has left a void in the family and the wider community, where she was widely respected as a matriarch and symbol of resilience.
