The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has condemned all leaders who shun away from responsibility saying it sets a bad example which brings about hopelessness among citizens. The Katikkiro said this at the burial of Ann Namuddu who was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kayanja Lunkoni Sub County in Kyotera district in Buddu. The ceremony included a requiem mass led by Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka Diocese.
He, however, expressed his appreciation for Ann Namuddu and stressed that the deceased lived an inspirational and exemplary life from which our leaders today can borrow a leaf. He said “To transform people’s lives means taking responsibility of what you are good at. It’s not about giving them money nor bringing food on their tables, not even empty promises but it’s about sharing with them what is within your means. I personally know of some people who help the poor but they live in places like palaces. It’s not easy to tell people to be transparent when you don’t practice transparency.”
In the early 1980s, the HIV epidemic greatly affected people in the areas of Kyotera-Buddu and claimed many lives. It was on this note that the late Ann Namuddu initiated a program through which she offered support to orphans whose parents had died of HIV. She also initiated Karitus Maddo, a women group in Masaka Diocese to empower them in socio-economic development.
The Katikkiro further praised the deceased’s moral etiquette and the selflessness she exhibited while alive. He said “What’s most important in life isn’t the life we live but what we do. He went on to say “She is not the first person to die at the age of 89 years. But very few people are able to do some of the things she has achieved based on her initial health condition. Therefore, it is her personality, initiatives, and actions that should be remarkable. And so, we pray to God to have mercy upon her soul.”
The bishop of Masaka during the requiem mass commented on those that have been supported by the Church and later shunned away from serving the church. He said “The church has supported so many people’s education but very few of them come back and serve under it.” He referred to one who had come back to serve the church despite the fact the person had professional qualifications and could have pursued a career elsewhere.
Several people including children, relatives, and politicians led by the Woman MP for Kyotera district Robinah Ssentongo praised the deceased for having been a role model and a selfless individual. The Woman MP said “We have a lot to learn from her. Let us care about others more than we do care for ourselves. Because many of us present here and those absent, in most cases we care for our own stomachs. All those that fight for the properties of the deceased are unfortunate this time around because the Bishop said there is nothing. What she had is within us who are present here, so where are you going to take us if we are the stakeholders.” The late Ann Namuddu died at the age of 89 years and left behind children and grandchildren.