Mourners Pay Tribute to Late Dinah Tumubwine Nalongo in Nyamiyaga

Thousands of mourners gathered at Kaina-Nyamiyaga in Nkongoro Parish, Nyabihoko Sub-county, Kajara, Ntungamo District, to pay their last respects to the late Diana Tumubwine Nalongo, wife of Mr. Herbert Katima.

In his message of comfort, Rev. James Rutaraka Ndyanabo urged mourners to live prepared lives, reminding them that death can come at any time. Taking his message from the Gospel according to Matthew 24:44, he quoted:

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Rev. Ndyanabo encouraged mourners to live lives that prepare them for eternal life after death. He also comforted the bereaved family and urged them to embrace unity, noting that difficult moments require family members to remain close and support one another.

Representing the family, Jackson Mubangizi Katima, the LC5 Councillor for Nyabihoko Sub-county, and Mutatina Nafutari described their mother as a God-fearing woman who loved children, was compassionate, and was an entrepreneur who always wished to see her family and neighbours prosper in all aspects of life.

Nafutari revealed that their mother had battled diabetes and high blood pressure for more than 20 years. However, over the past seven years, her condition worsened, and she developed a kidney infection that caused serious wounds on her body and weakened her immune system.

Her friends described the late Dinah as a loving, passionate and hardworking woman who was always willing to help anyone who reached out to her in need. They said she had left behind a legacy that many people should learn from, describing her family as exemplary in the community.

Her husband, Herbert Katima, who was present at the ceremony but could not speak due to his advanced age, had his message read by a friend. He appreciated his wife for the long life they shared and thanked Almighty God for blessing them with children, friends and a great generation.

Herbert described Dinah as a loving, respectful and committed educationist who always wanted to see her family progress.

Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba Salongo, the Ntungamo District LC5 Chairperson, said the government had lost a visionary woman who provided leaders with valuable advice even at an advanced age.

He said the late Dinah had nurtured her children into great leadership positions and encouraged them to serve as role models to younger generations.

Samuel called for unity and cooperation among the mourners and residents for the development of Ntungamo District. He also urged leaders to emulate the values and legacy of the late Dinah.

The late Dinah Tumubwine Nalongo died at the age of 80, having been born in 1946. She leaves behind 14 children, her husband, and many grandchildren.

The burial ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Kajara Member of Parliament and Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, Hon. Steven Tashobya; Ruhaama Constituency Member of Parliament Beatrice Rwakimari; former Kajara Member of Parliament Herbert Muntuyera; various political leaders and members of the business community from across the country.