Tribute to Rosemary Nankabirwa

A couple of years ago, Rosemary Nankabirwa and I were invited by one of the city primary schools to speak to its kids. Rosemary, because she was the highflying news anchor at NTV, and I was the author of Banjo's Adventures—the fictional children's series that were being used to foster a reading lifestyle at the school. 

It was the first time I got up-close with Rosemary. Her television persona had given me an idea of a brash and sophisticated lady that I would probably not easily get along with. But I met a humble and affectionate girl who was not afraid to relish the little delights life offered. 

Rosemary giving an inspirational talk to pupils

Children swarmed her like bees in a nectar garden, and I was amazed by her chemistry with them as she signed autographs, told stories, sang and read storybooks. It was not surprising that when she posed the question, what would you like to become in future, most children answered that they wanted to become like her.

Later the pupils entertained us with music and dance. As drums beat and the singing and clapping became electrifying, little girls wiggled their tiny waists to a traditional song. Unable to contain herself, Rosemary joined in the bakisimba dance and jiggled her waist and bottom like a maestro. Staff members stood up clapping and cheering her on atmospherically, marvelling at her agility and dexterity.

Rosemary in a skirt and white top dances bakisimba with pupils

Thus Rosemary was a woman who lived her life to the fullest. Of course we would all have loved her to bloom on to a good old age but what matters is not the many years one lives but how the given years are lived. Rosemary seized a very opportunity to make an impact and enliven others. The amazing response of the public in raising millions of shillings to help her says as much.

We will cherish the precious, inspirational memories Rosemary gave us. May her soul rest in everlasting peace.