By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
News of the passing of Bridget Arikiriza, a student at Uganda Christian University has shocked friends and course mates at the university. Akiriza who was pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) was set to start Year Four in the semester beginning in May.
Arikiriza is reported to have been involved in an accident in Kisoga, Mukono on April 8th. She is said to have sustained serious head injuries that led to internal bleeding. She was rushed to Namirembe Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono, where she is said to have died in the early hours this morning.
Students have remembered her as a vibrant and compassionate member of the community.
Her class representative, Harrison Ricard Maganda, who confirmed her demise while speaking to The Standard described her as a source of light among her peers.
“Bridget’s life was a bright beam in our class. Her contagious smile and laughter were shared with the known and unknown. She relentlessly showed up especially to those close to her, whether it was to help study for a final or just to provide a shoulder when life was under turbulence,” Maganda said.
Maganda also recalled a moment that reflected her helpful nature.
“There was a time my group was behind schedule on submitting a criminal procedure assignment and when I reached the printing area she was around and offered to help with the missing parts of our work,” he said.
He added, “It’s very unfortunate she hasn’t run the last lap with us as her life has been cut short. However, as believers, we trust death is the only transition into a better life and though she is no longer with us, her legacy of benevolence will eternally remain in our hearts. Fare thee well, Bridget Arikiriza.”
Denis Amanya, the General Secretary of the UCU Law Society, described Arikiriza as a devoted reader and a friendly person among students.
“She was a bookworm, she loved reading so much in the library. She was every person’s friend. It is evident in most of her photos, and she was always jolly,” he said.
A close friend, Rolly Atimango who is also studying LLB, in her fourth year, remembered their deep bond and shared experiences.
“Our journey as friends began before pre-entries into law school. For some reason, we didn’t know each other physically but we would text and talk on the phone. We had our good and bad days at law school,” she said.
“She was a very jolly soul. We were in different streams but whenever we saw each other at campus we ran towards each other and hugged. Our relationship was more than friendship, we were sisters and shared all our personal problems with each other,” Atimango added.
Atimango also said that Arikiriza had a sense of humour and was strong in her faith.
“She would always crack jokes and loved the phrase ‘keep in your lane’. She loved God, we went to church together on Sundays and for all other church gatherings,” she said.
Sources close to her family say Arikiriza will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 11 in Kyamuhunga, Butare, in Bushenyi District.
