As more tributes continue to pour in for the late Ms Carol Atuhirwe, 31, who was battling throat and lung cancer, who passed on on Thursday night, Mr Muheereza Kyamutetera, the coordinator of the campaign that helped fundraise for her to go to India where she has been obtaining treatment is mourning her death.
Kyamutetera, a renowned communications expert in Uganda – shared the sad news about Atuhirwe’s passing on social media.
“Our Atuhirwe Carol has finally gone to be with the Lord. Thanks all Ye for the fight. Details will be communicated later,” he wrote in a moving tribute on Twitter and Facebook.
Ms Atuhaire’s mother, Ms Grace Mugizi, said Atuhairwe died at around 9:30pm at a hospital where she was receiving treatment.
Ms Atuhaire has been battling throat and lung cancer since 2011.
Her story, however, came to the limelight recently following a robust social media campaign led by Mr. Kyamutetera that saw her cause receive support and sympathy both locally and internationally.
Atuhirwe’s cancer ordeal started in 2011. At the time, she was in her final semester at Uganda Christian University (UCU) studying a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Fine Art and design. Ivan Muguma, 25, her younger brother, says problems started after Atuhirwe got breathing difficulties and eventually lost her voice.
She was put on treatment right away, including chemotherapy (cancer treatment used to kill cancer cells) and surgery which involved insertion of a breathing and feeding tube.
Along the way, as Atuhirwe made progress, more tests were conducted and lung cancer was also detected. Just like the throat cancer, doctors failed to establish what might have triggered it as well until her demise.
Family members say Atuhirwe loved watching cartoons during her free time.
“Her friends love taking her to see the water and sand,” her brother Fortunate Kagumaho said.
Regarding personality, Kagumaho said his sister was soft spoken and humble. “Before the ordeal, she also loved singing. Recently, she broke down when some of her friends visited and sang for her. Her tears were as a result that she had no voice to do what they were doing,” he said.
May Carol Atuhirwe’s soul rest in eternal peace.
