The last 7 days have revealed how many lives Carol inspired. Many marvel at the power of her smile, which lit her face with hope amid battle. She was referred to as a ‘darling’. Her struggle pulled the attention of so many, high and low profile citizens across Uganda.
Nothing brought Ugandans together like the campaign that was intended to raise funds for her treatment at Narayana Hospital in Bangalore, India.
Her mother, Grace Mugizi, says “We all hoped she would come back alive.”
The 31-year-old was confirmed dead last week, Thursday by Mr Muhereeza Kyamutetera, one of her caretakers that spearheaded the campaign drive, “#SaveCarol”.
She saccumed to throat and lung cancer, a condition whose signs became discernible during her second year at Uganda Christian University Mukono.
A funeral service was held at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero in Kampala this week (5th June) where the mother of the deceased, during her emotional tribute, revealed that in India, “Doctors administered a three-months-trial drug but they realised she was growing weaker. It was a huge disappointment.”
“The doctors decided against surgery because Atuhirwe was too weak to stand an eight-hour-long operation. On May 31, I told her we should pray to God to save her miraculously or take her. She said she would pray that He takes her,” Ms Mugizi said.
“Carol spent a long time praying that prayer. On the last day, she asked Olivia and I to lift her out of the bed. Maybe she thought she would jump out of our hands and go to heaven,”
“She told me that she had fought a war,”
“She said if she had a way, she would reduce the pain of those coming after her. Tell Ugandans not to be too disappointed (with my death) that they failed to save another one.” She further said.
“Whenever people went to see Carol, she ended up encouraging them as opposed to them doing so including my self. She smiled best in the most painful of times all because of her faith in God. She saw hope in humanity inspite of the fact that she knew she was dying. She never cursed, she waited patiently for her time to come. How many of us would be calm and patient in the face of the Lord? She only succeeded because she had seen the glory in the Lord. If you never met Carol, you will never have a clear understanding of resilience, faith and good attitude.” Carol’s friend, Muhangi Andrew remarked.
Her body was laid to rest Wednesday in Kabaare village, Ishongororo, Ibanda District.
male@ugchristiannews.com
