Tourism beauty queen, journalist laid to rest
Tourism minister Maria Mutagamba lays a wreath on Atim’s coffin at St Augustine Chapel, Makerere University, Photo by Dominic Bukenya
KAMPALA-A cloud of grief yesterday hang over Kabale village near Abaita Ababiri on Entebbe Road in Wakiso District where NTV’s journalist Resty Namawejje was laid to rest.
On July 4, Namawejje, together with two Miss Tourism beauty queens Barbara Nakiwolo and Norah Atim, perished in a motor accident at Nakirere, Mpigi District.
Hundreds of mourners, including her family, friends and workmates, eulogised Namawejje as friendly and hardworking.
Nakiwolo was also yesterday laid to rest at her ancestral home in Namilyango, Seeta, Mukono District, while Atim will be laid to rest on Wednesday in Ludara, Koboko District.
At St Augustine Chapel, Makerere University, yesterday, hundreds of mourners, who were still in disbelief, prayed for Atim.
Her mother, Ms Emily Opu, described her daughter as a down-to-earth girl, besides being Miss Tourism Northern Uganda.
“Norah could leave Makerere University every weekend and come home to cook for her grandmother. She also looked after her siblings as if she was their own mother,” said Ms Opu.
She described her as an assertive girl who wanted to be somebody in society. “I have missed my daughter. She was very humble. She was waiting to graduate. We were waiting to eat the cake. May her soul rest in peace,” she added.
Atim’s colleagues in the Miss Tourism fraternity could not hold back their tears as they laid wreaths on her casket.
Tourism minister Maria Mutagamba said: “I got to know Norah Atim through minister Hilary Onek. I continued to know her better through her tourism work. In fact, I had told her and the other tourism finalists to come up with projects that could help boost the Tourism industry.”
Meanwhile, the driver of the ill-fated vehicle, Mr Patrick Muhiire, is still in critical condition at Mengo Hospital.
Other survivors include Mr David Gumisiriza, a cameraman at NTV, who is currently receiving treatment at the International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Ms Betty Nyachwo and Ms Rehema Musa, who are admitted to Mulago hospital.
