Giving lived out loud: The life of Vero Zake Kibukamusoke.

Vero Zake Kibukamusoke, an experienced florist and philanthropist, died on Thursday, May 19, 2022, as a result of cancer complications. She was 74 years old at the time.

Where does one begin to express the magnificence of Vero's life? Does one start with her complete devotion to family? Or her unbreakable bond with her cherished church? Or with her long list of honours and awards for her numerous and diverse accomplishments? Or with her rightful place as one of the world's great leaders? Or with everyone for whom she was a fantastic mentor and role model? Words alone are insufficient. She was a human mountain, her feet firmly planted on the ground while her head soared to the heavens. She was visionary and grounded at the same time, always proud and in touch with her roots even as she towered above most with her intellect, grace, and unrivalled ability to communicate and be generous.

The decedent was highly regarded for founding Harver Florist, which is regarded as one of the pioneer flower businesses that has survived the years. She became acquainted with a large number of people through her involvement in the flower business, to whom she later provided assistance. As a result of this, she first gained notoriety for her charitable contributions.

Those who knew Vero were tremendously honoured and privileged to have known such a kind soul. She was the same at home as in the spotlight in many ways; she was graceful, dignified, and well-kept; regal in so many ways.

She was astute, learned, and articulate advocate for the causes she cared about the most, particularly for her beloved Mutundwe community.

She was kind, compassionate, caring, and loving, and she was deeply committed to assisting others in navigating the dilemmas and challenges that life throws at all of us at some point.

When you spoke with her, you felt like the most important person on the planet, the embodiment of the kind of empathy that the world desperately needs today.

She was a leader who inspired people to work hard and reach their full potential as they carried out their responsibilities of repairing the world.

She was a person who expected everyone around her to understand that her legacy would not be her name on a building or a prize, but that each of us live our lives as she lived hers: committed to our families, devoted to our communities, and accountable to one another.

Vero would not have wanted us to just remember her. Instead, she would want us to follow her example, to act on the realization that it is our responsibility - not anyone else's - to create the kind of world in which we all want our children and future generations to live.

During her memorial service at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Mutundwe, the head of the laity at the church, Stephen Kabugu, referred to her as the "engine" of the church as he spoke eulogistically about her. A humble philanthropist, he praised her for her unwavering commitment to the church since it opened its doors twenty-five years ago and called her a community pillar. The very essence of Vero's being was one of generosity. Vero had no reservations about donating her time, treasure, and talent to the church. St. Mark's Church, as a pillar in her neighbourhood, was a source of joy for her. For her, the highest calling in life was to be a giver.

Andrew Ssengendo Zake, the decedent's nephew, spoke highly of his aunt, describing her as a wonderful parent who instilled in her children good values and provided sound advice. These days, very few people would think of this as a form of generosity; however, it is. It serves as a poignant reminder of the unending sacrifices that parents make for their children, from childhood through adulthood, and that even after they have passed on to dance with the angels, the legacy they leave behind continues to serve as an object lesson in giving. Vero's legacy of generosity will live on not only in her community and church but, more importantly, as a gift given to mother earth to teach us a thing or two about generosity and a life well lived through service to others.

With a generous spirit comes the rarest of characters; Vero was also praised for her humility, composure, and tireless work by Engineer John Baptist Walusimbi, who served as the former Katikkiro of Buganda. Walusimbi praised her for advancing and elevating the dignity of the flower business.

She was laid to rest in the family cemetery, located not too far from the church (St. Mark's Church in Mutundwe).

To Vero, "your days have passed, but your love, your immensity and your indominatable spirit will never be forgotten. Indeed, they and the values by which you lived your extraordinary life will serve as a source of strength, of inspiration and of compassion for generations to come." Rest In Power!

Publication courtesy: Vero Zake Kibukamusoke’s story was first published in Sunday Vision page 33, 11th July 2022.