Body of Kibaale woman repatriated from Saudi Arabia, laid to rest

3 May 2025, 3:54 pm

By Kato Joseph

The late Teddy Namata, aged 27, who died while working as a housemaid in Saudi Arabia, has been laid to rest in Kyabahiiga-Igomero village, Bwamiramira sub county, Kibaale district.

Namata, a daughter of Mary Justine Byaruhanga and Francis Byaruhanga, passed away on 26th March in Saudi Arabia. However, her body was repatriated back to Uganda on Thursday following intervention efforts by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Kibaale MPs, and other individuals.

Following a post-mortem by the police, it was revealed that Namata succumbed to bronchopneumonia.

Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that inflames the alveoli (tiny air sacs) inside the lungs. Individuals with bronchopneumonia experience difficulty breathing because their airways are constricted due to inflammation.

At the burial ceremony, Bizibu George William, the Executive Secretary of the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board, who coordinated the repatriation process, expressed his appreciation for the outstanding cooperation of Kibaale MPs and other leaders who covered all the expenses to have Namata’s body returned home.

Bizibu has since directed that Eva Birungi, who was the next of kin to the deceased, return the money that the late Namata had been sending to her while still alive in Saudi Arabia. He also called on the people of Kibaale to refrain from demeaning their leaders.

Representing Noeline Kisembo Basemra, the Kibaale District Woman MP, Michael Alibankooha, the Political Coordinator, urged the public to always carefully consider the advice they receive from different people to avoid being misled.

At the event, Gertrude Katusiime, the District Councillor for Kibaale town council, and Veronica Kiiiza, the District Councillor for Kabasekende and Bwamiramira sub counties, condemned the growing prevalence of drug abuse and the disrespect shown to elders among the youth.

Leading the Send-Off Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Charles Asaba, attached to Bujuni Catholic Parish, preached against corruption, political infighting, theft, and the misuse of social media platforms to demean leaders.

Julius Kinembe, who read an appreciation message on behalf of Mary Justine Byaruhanga, the mother of the late Namata, praised the efforts of various individuals who contributed to ensuring a decent burial for the late Namata.