Nyangoma Kabarole
Following a long struggle with chronic kidney failure Nyangoma, who was Provincial Coordinator of the Medical Service of the Anglican Church in Congo, died on 26 April 2001 in Kampala.
her example
Nyangoma's service to the Church and to Mission was recognised by CMS when, two years ago, she was made a Vice President of the Society.
Judy Rous writes: "Nyangoma has touched all our lives in different ways: we have all experienced the great warmth of her welcome to Boga, her friendship, her kindness and her sacrificial hospitality. We have seen her faith and her deep compassion for others no matter what tribe or nationality; she was an extraordinary, courageous woman whose love for God and trust in Him enabled her to stand up for what was right, to challenge others and be a voice for justice. As ever, family and friends face a huge loss, but what joy and glory for Nyangoma to be with the Lord!"
Pat Nickson writes: "As I try to cope with my emotions, I cling to something Nyangoma said to those grieving at the death of her twin, Nyakato, six years ago: ‘Are we heathen, that we weep and wail? Would Nyakato have wanted this? No! She is at peace... let us rejoice with her’. I am trying to listen to Nyangoma’s own words, and give thanks for her life and witness."
her illness
Nyangoma's identical twin, an equally gifted and committed leader, died suddenly in England about six years ago. A post mortem showed an underlying genetic kidney problem, which, inevitably, Nyangoma was also found to have. Since then she has been under treatment, and for the last two years has been living with peritoneal dialysis - quite a challenge when one is as remote as Boga, and without adequate medical support. With tremendous courage she managed her dialysis, and, when her health permitted, continued her more than full-time work. With frequent bouts of peritonitis, pain and weakness, she continued to manage the health programme.
For her last few months Nyangoma stayed in Kampala with Maggie Crewes of CMS Australia. Nyangoma became so weak that she was no longer able to even move in bed. When Nyangoma died her mother Amoti was with her, and her youngest brother Kabeba had recently arrived from Boga, but they were still waiting for another brother and sister, Kagwa and Elise. Oscar, a nurse from Boga, was visiting Kampala so he too was able to be a support to Maggie and the family during those last few traumatic days.
tension at the funeral
Burying her at Boga was important to the family, though it took a long journey through Uganda, across the Semliki in a canoe, across the plain and up the escarpment. A lot of folk who had taken refuge in Uganda during the tribal conflict in Jan/Feb had now returned home, so the church and community were there to mourn with the family and share their grief.
Nyangoma and Nyakato stood against tribalism. A few hours before she died Nyangoma dictated a message to the church, pleading for a stop to the genocide and for peace and reconciliation between the two tribes in conflict. As this message was read to those gathered for her funeral (attended mostly by Hema - her own tribe), Lendu friends approached the Cathedral. They said they wanted to say "goodbye" to their sister - one who had done so much for them. Fear rose amongst some of the mourners, who wanted the military present to chase them away. The Archbishop stood between the tribes offering himself (also Hema) rather than allowing his Lendu brothers and sisters to be attacked. Nyangoma's mother lovingly gathered the Lendu around her.
prayer
- Pray for her mother Amoti, sister Elise, brothers Kagwa and Kabeba.
- Please pray too for Maggie who has carried such a burden of responsibility and care for Nyangoma over the past 18 months, whilst serving so many others in the Congo church as well as the street kids in Kampala.
- Her death leaves a big gap at the head of the medical work in general and in particular in the leadership at Boga. All involved would value your prayers as they work out a new structure of leadership.
Nyangoma's mother and the family wish to thank all those who wrote to the family and who supported Nyangoma during her long illness.