There was an outpouring of love as family and friends eulogised Canon Constance Kabonero.
The deceased entrepreneur, prominent farmer, and church leader in Ntungamo district, western Uganda, passed away at Victoria Hospital in Kampala on May 30. She was 92.
During a church service at All Saints Church in Nakasero, Kampala, on Thursday, Susan Muhwezi eulogized her departed mother as a “uniting factor and strong pillar” for the people of Ntungamo, a “counselor” for people from all walks of life, and a “faithful servant of God”.
Ms. Muhwezi, who is married to Security Minister Hon. Jim Muhwezi, said the deceased was “not a rich woman but ensured we had a good education.”
She added, “My mother was a good wife. My dad (Dr. Kosiya Kabonero) fell ill for 13 years. My mother nursed him to the very end.”
Dr. Kosiya Kabonero passed away in 1995.
Constance was hailed for reuniting rival local politicians and pushing authorities for the development of local communities in Ntungamo.
“My mom wanted to see the church full. She used to ask if she would be buried in glory,” said Ms. Muhwezi, adding, “We got wise words from her. We will do our best not to let her down. We will remain united, love God, serve the needy, and love our country because she has left a legacy.”
“She believed strongly in the marriage institution and said no matter what happens, you keep the vows. I desire to be like my mother.”
Canon Constance was the mother of Susan Muhwezi, Amb. Richard Kabonero, and businessman Bob Kabonero.
Bill Clinton
Richard Kabonero said his departed mother was a woman of humble beginnings and modest education who rose to prominence through hard work and sacrifice.
“She worked so hard; she was very generous; all this through humility,” said Kabonero, adding, “She was actually our restraint. She had a moral compass. Without her, I don’t know.”
The former Ambassador of Uganda to Rwanda and Tanzania said Constance “made us. She was our commander.”
He recalled an incident in the United States when Constance asked Kabonero, then a diplomat stationed at Uganda’s mission in Washington, to help her see President Bill Clinton.
“She wanted to see President Clinton. She asked me, ‘Why don’t you make an appointment? I asked her, “What do I want to tell him? She said, ‘To him to get saved,”” said Kabonero, throwing the church into rib-cracking laughter.
She said Constance was “a mother; you go to counsel no matter how old.”
Businessman Bob Kabonero said when Constance passed away on Tuesday, the outpouring of love was overwhelming.
“We didn’t feel alone,” Bob mourned, adding, “We thank God for giving us the means to look after her.”
He added, “My mother never lacked anything. When she wanted a church, we built it. When she wanted a house, we built it for her because she gave it to us. Our house used to be full. I don’t think she is regretting anything.”
Samantha Muhwezi Kassami, a granddaughter of Canon Constance, said the deceased had a “great sense of humor” and regularly spoke to her “about the wife I should be and the home I should build.”
She emphasized, “Her (Constance’s) prayers protected us. We grieve the loss of our protection and unwavering love.”
Esteeri Kabonero said Constance was so hospitable and that her gift was to make everyone feel like family.
“She taught us to love people and embrace everyone,” Esteeri, the daughter of Richard Kabonero, said of her grandmother. “She treated everyone as a loved one.”
Education, salvation
Constance’s brother, John Wycliffe Karazarwe, said Canon Constance was able to build a strong family and leave an impactful legacy because of the power of education, embracing salvation, a good husband, and great children.
“Kosiya Kabonero came as a gift from God to Constance,” recalled the elderly Karazarwe.
“This is a man who did not make this woman (Constance) an anthill to jump over but a mountain,” said Karazarwe.
The function was presided over by Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and Minister Bright Rwamirama, among others.
Love
Gen. Jim Muhwezi said Constance “touched our lives in many ways.”
Muhwezi recalled an incident when he approached Constance in 1981 to buy her land in Rujumbura, which she was not using.
“She refused, saying this is the land of my children. When I married Susan, she gave it to me as a gift. She had a lot of love. She was also very entrepreneurial, which she passed on to her children, especially Bob Kabonero,” said Minister Muhwezi.
“She (Constance) was very intelligent, clever, wise, and strategic in outlook. I am a great beneficiary of that,” he added.
“In my political life, which had many turbulences, Constance was my counselor.” She would use proverbs to advise me on handling matters,” recalled Muhwezi, adding, “she would tell me not to treat my wife like an anthill, because people will walk over her, and that if you treat her as a mountain, people will worship her.”
The deceased will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at her home in Ibaare, Ntungamo district.