Stephen Twinoburyo is
dead - Long live Stephen Twinoburyo!
For
a while now, these two sentences have been running through my head. I have
resisted speaking or writing about them. However, they have refused to leave my
head. So I have taken my pen to write out the speech that I delivered at his
farewell service which was held at All Saint Cathedral Nakasero, Kampala.
Fellow
Ugandans, Countrymen and Women, I come to celebrate ST (as we used to call
him), not to mourn him.[1] I
believe that if ST was here, he would rebuke us for mourning him. He would have loved for us to dress smart,
smile, laugh and sign his favourite songs and dance to his favourite music. So,
we celebrate him today-
This
Great Man
This
brother, father, Uncle, Friend
This
Great Elephant – (those who went to Lumumba Hall (Makerere University) Lumumba Oyee? Lumumba Oyee? I say that
for ST even if i was in Livingstone Hall
I
am reminded of a story of the blind men who went to experience an elephant. We
have heard other versions. I have come to give you my version of this Great
Elephant.
Friends,
I am encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 4: 13
which was read earlier. It says
13 Brothers and sisters,
we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in
death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no
hope. 14 For we believe that
Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with
Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. I therefore believe
that ST is alive with the Lord much as he might be gone from us. For I know
that he gave his life to Christ when he was living with us and my Mom Kaaka
Amooti in Mulago. He then renewed his commitment to Christ while in South
Africa. Some of you here will testify that he dedicatedly sent us scriptures
each morning right up to when he passed on. Why should we mourn? Let us
celebrate his life.
Dear
Celebrants, if ST had had the chance to leave instructions for us, it would be
for us to do the following –
1.
ST would tell us to Laugh out Loud for Stephen loved to laugh. We need to laugh like
Stephen laughed
2.
ST
He would have wanted us to take care of our families. For Stephen loved his family – Tania, James,
Kirabo are clear examples. We saw his
Instagram video where he was riding a bike backwards with is daughter Kirabo.
He would have challenged us to love. When Stephen was in love, we all knew it.
3.
Stephen
would have loved for us to be excellent – He was excellent in everything he did
– be it academics, sports ( he played rugby), organisin people leading,
championing causes, etc. He dressed smartly too. We indeed celebrate his
excellence in all things
4.
ST
would want us to be courageous and command
from the front. Stephen was courageous. – that is what he did. He led from the front. He was our hero. Our
fighter. Our Manzi. ST was our colossus. Our Hercules. Our Warrior. He fought
many battles. He was a problem solver. He was innovative. He didnt fear to
start or do anything. He taught, he even drove a taxi. He led. He spoke out.
Indeed those who knew him know that when he wasn’t happy with you, he would
tell you. If he was happy, he made it known.
5.
Stephen
would have told us to never stop trying – He always tried and always sought to
excel in whatever he tried
6.
ST
would have challenged us to lead – and he led well : in Ntare as Head Prefect,
in Makerere as Chairman of Lumumba Hall, in South Africa as Chairman of the
various initiatives he started. He was undoubtedly a leader that Uganda missed
to have when he moved to South Africa.
7.
Stephen
would have told us to have our own nicknames – why not? His was Anyanya because of his rich, ebony dark
skin. Which one is yours?
8.
ST
would have wanted to tell us to DIE EMPTY. Like the late Dr. Myles Munroe said,
Do all you can when you are still alive. Be influential. Stepehne would have
challenged us to blog, to speak out and not be silent especially in the times
of trouble.
9.
Stephen
would have challenged us to always seek help when in trouble. Stephen always
reached out to us and we did know his ups and downs. He wasn’t a mystery and
that is why we are saddened today but we shall not mourn. We shall celebrate
him
10. Last but not least, ST would
have advised us to have our own team of advisors. ST had a team of advisors. He
was teachable (which is a rare quality) and listened. He had advisors like Dr.
Drew, Ssenga Grace, and many others. He used his low moments as teaching
moments and still shared about them to all who cared to read and listen. We
should do likewise.
Ladies
and Gentlemen, let us stand up and celebrate this Gallant Elephant who has gone
to rest
To
living large
To
laughing loud
To
loving much
To
speaking out
To
being excellent
To
caring for our family
God
bless you all.
Long
live Stephen Twinoburyo. He is not dead but alive in Christ.
A very rich tribute, thanks!!
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