KABALE – Christians in the Diocese of Kigezi have come together to honor and pay their respects to the late Maliza Zaribugire Tibasiima, a remarkable Christian who was regarded as a true Pillar and an evangelist of the East African revival.
The news of her passing at the age of 101 in the early hours of Sunday saddened the entire community.
Maliza Zaribugire was an influential figure among those who embraced the East African Revival, a transformative movement that swept through the Church in East Africa during the late 1920s and 1930s, particularly in the Kigezi Sub-region.
Rev Canon Stephen Turwomwe, now retired, had fond memories of the late Maliza. He recalled her as a devout Christian who fervently shared the good news of God through both her words and actions. She epitomized the spirit of the East African Revival, leading a humble, kind, and loving life while speaking sparingly.
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According to Rev Canon Turwomwe, Maliza’s spiritual journey prioritized forgiveness and repentance, reflecting the core values of the East African Revival. She actively participated in the Tuesday and Thursday fellowship at St. Peters Cathedral Church in Rugarama, a clear sign of her dedication to the revival movement, until she fell ill.
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Maliza Tibasiima’s life began on April 1, 1922, as the child of Kosiya Ngamanya and One Keimusya, both now deceased. They were residents of Kabila Cell in Ndorwa County, Kigezi District by then. At an early age, she received baptism on April 16, 1922.
Her educational journey included attending Hornby High School from Primary One to Three. However, she later decided to drop out of school to cultivate sorghum, which she sold to buy clothes for herself.
On February 17, 1940, she married the late Rev Canon Abraham Zaribugire, a resident of Piida Cell, Upper Bugongi, in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality. Their union blessed them with eight children, but unfortunately, seven of them passed away, and she is survived by one child.
In December 1963, Maliza achieved an elementary child welfare certificate after successfully passing the necessary examination issued by Uganda Red Cross.
Today, the community will come together to lay Maliza Zaribugire Tibasiima to rest at her ancestral home in Piida Cell, Upper Bugongi, Northern Division of Kabale Municipality. Her legacy as a true pillar of faith and a devoted follower of the East African Revival will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew her and future generations alike.
By Press time, the send off service of the late Maliza was on going at St Peters Cathedral Church- Rugarama presided over by the Bishop of th Diocese of Kigezi, the Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna.
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