Remembering Dr Joy Kyeyune – a gem whose generous heart goes silent 

Kampala | On September 24, 2023, Dr Joy Kyazike Kyeyune died of a stroke – a few hours after she went into a coma. 

Until her death, she was living and working in the United Kingdom and was a unifying figure, according to her friends. 

One of Joy’s friends, Emmanuel Mudali describes the deceased as “a noble soul and an epitome of kindness and empathy”. 

“In this pilgrimage life on earth, we meet and interface with many beings. Not as many can fit in the shoes of this noble soul now departed.


“Dr. Joy was a gem, an epitome of kindness and empathy, brilliant yet humble and daintily loving. She rendered her all towards the restoration of the “Short Tower” (Stephen Galogitho) and never stopped walking the journey with us to her end.

“Those of us who were gifted with her companionship recall her counsel. Even in this adult life, she edified us in being better humans by her deeds,” Mudali’s eulogy. 

Also read: Worldwide generosity, Galo’s visit pours hope in ailing Dr Anthony Buhangamaiso 

He added that not many of us are able to write our farewell homilies for parting from this pilgrim. “Dr. Joy did write her own through her works and deeds. 

“We grieve, for we have lost a friend, a sister, a mother, a daughter and above all a good human being. In theological terms though, Divinity has won a saint. 

“Thanks and Glory to God for giving us Joy. You have taken her away from us rather though. Fare thee well Comrade.  

Rest in peace indomitable soul.”

As Mudali remembered, Dr Joy was instrumental in restoring the former Makerere University Guild President, Stephen Renny Galogitho aka “Short Tower” who after his expulsion from Makerere, lived a life of hopelessness for years.

“On the day she died, I was working on an academic deadline which was severely disrupted…. In fact, my small world that Joy was helping me to assemble is crumbling again,” Galo said.

When James William Mugeni hooked Galo from the village and asked for his rebuilding, Dr Joy played a significant role in Galo’s rebirth. 

Speaking to tndNews, Mugeni says the deceased was also behind the fund’s mobilisation for the kidney transplant of Dr Anthony Buhangamaiso, a fundraising that still goes on. 

Dr Joy was born on June 26, 1971.