The Nankabirwa I knew
What you need to know:
TRIBUTE. A week after Rosemary Nankabirwa, 37, a former NTV news anchor, passed on, her fans and colleagues still remember her in many ways as Lydia Ainomugisha explores
“Cancer means pain but my Nankabirwa was strong and had faith that God would heal her. It was not until the last two weeks that she asked us to let her go. She did not allow her visitors to cry before her because she thought that such people lacked faith in God. Even brutally blunt sometimes - she asked emotional visitors to step out of the room, compose themselves and then return.
Rebecca Kibirige, mother
“You came to Kenya, you won many hearts, and on Friday you came back to Kenya and broke many hearts. It was a difficult moment, but we had to give you a final send off from Kenya. Lady, I remember her very active during class discussions, in church activities and during any social gathering. It seems God loved you more than us.
Walter Okoth, childhood friend
“ You taught me one thing, faith in the midst of pain, impossibility. Friday night you asked me to hold your hand, to come closer and all you said was God is good, all the time, glory, glory. Your faith was amazing; you died believing in God’s healing power. I will treasure the last hours we spent together, I will surely remember one thing: God is good, all the time. You helped me find a new meaning in that phrase.
Barbara Among, journalist
“ She was a mother goose. Nankabirwa drew a timetable and apportioned each one of us a house chore. No matter the sex, she assigned everyone a cooking, cleaning, washing and mopping day. She was also principled, tidy and neat. I could sometimes sneak into her sister’s room to pick jewellery and makeup but despite my efforts to put everything back the way they were, she found it.
Catherine Nayiga, sister
“ She was vibrant and participated in every company social event but
dancing was her best part of all. Rosemary was such a great dancer that nobody could beat her on the dance floor.
Florence Naluyimba, NTV
“ Rose loved children a lot but it’s sad that she died without getting her own. She could not get children before getting married but always took turns and helped me babysit my girls whenever I needed her.
Faridah Nakazibwe, close friend
“ She had a love of nice-smelling lotions and perfumes. Even when she was sick, she would wear some lip balm. She introduced me to these nice-smelling beauty products when we met and became friends at WBS.
Diana Kagere, former workmate
“It was a sombre day (and still is) for me after I read about your demise online. You are one of the people I admired when I started my TV career at NTV Uganda. You loved shoes especially boots. I remember you complimenting my shoes and me complimenting yours. I remember your impeccable suits and long hair whenever we bumped into each other especially at lunch time. Each time we had a party, sports day or any event at work you were always one of the most active participants. You are an inspiration to many, a lady who always had a smile on her face, never came across a stranger, a lady that will be missed by many.
Tinah Brad, former workmate
“ I remember you confronting me on always praying from outside the church and giving me a lecture against it! Am off for lunch time mass at your usual Christ the King Church and I promise not to pray from outside, not when I am praying for you Rosemary Nankabirwa! .
Tonny Muwangala, former workmate
“I first came to Uganda around the time NTV went on air. Rosemary was the highlight of my days. It was great watching her do her thing. It was an even greater honour and privilege working alongside her. This is yet another sad loss for the media fraternity. She will forever be remembered as the best that there has ever been and it’s only fitting that many had her back at the time of her greatest need. I am heart broken.
Farai Mwakutuya, former workmate
“ In many of our light moments, I used to tease Rosemary Nankabirwa, telling her of how I wanted to have a baby with her. She always had a way of jokingly shooting back, sending the NTV newsroom in laughter.
Abubaker Muwonge, Cameraman at NTV
