Damalie- Mukwano Gwa’abanji!
If you were new to the Atlanta Ugandan Diaspora- you had to know Damalie. Damalie knew things. Damalie knew people.She was the great connector. And when you finally did meet her, you would be glad you did. She was a storyteller. Damalie shared stories that made you smile. She made you laugh. Herself-deprecating humor drew you in. You relaxed and were atease in her company. She was like an old friend you had knownyour whole life- a constant presence- walking along with you onlife’s journey.
During those early years in Atlanta, she was one of the first Ugandans that I got to know. She helped me navigate the new city and we soon discovered a shared love for the arts and the outdoors. Damalie must have hiked or walked through most of the parks in the metro Atlanta area. She was a fountain of knowledge across so many things- and you wondered how she knew all this. And she shared these things with you -the ins and outs of the city, diaspora life, the UNAA community. She created a circle of friendship and community and it is no wonder that most people who moved to Atlanta were drawn to it.
It is these stories and cherished memories that bring comfort during this difficult time. I have never been to Lebanon, Penn- and yet I know it. I know of Philly and the BFFs that helped Damalie start out in America. And I know of her family from Uganda. Damalie loved her family- Doreen, Davis and the little niece, her mother, the sisters in Uganda and the brother who managed her affairs. Her Father. Damalie loved her family- they were constantly on her mind- and you could tell that she treasured them dearly.
We shall miss you our friend- your stories and laughter, your kindness and warmth that drew us all to your light. Thank you for sharing yourself with me, with us, for sharing the things that you knew, for sharing your stories, sharing your family- and sharing yourself.
Damalie Mukwano gwaffe. Mukwano Gwa’abanji! As we bid you farewell, we draw strength from these stories of faith, friends, and family- the pillars that so exemplified your life.
When I fall, I shall rise and when I sit in Darkness, the Lord Shall be a Light unto me. Micah 7: 8
Milly Makula
Atlanta GA
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