Makerere University research fellow Dr. Stella Nyanzi has poetically narrated how fallen Political activist and International Affairs Secretary of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Barbara Allimadi pioneered nude protest among Uganda’s elite.

Barbara Allimadi was found dead in her house in Kiwatule, Kampala on Monday April 27 night.

Nyanzi said that Barbra Allimadi fearlessly fought to liberate Uganda and stood with her in crisis

Below is her Poem:

Kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi!

(1) The world has lost a brave warrior.

I have lost a determined comrade who sought me out and stood with me in crisis.

She was of such singularity of mind.

She needed no bandwagon to support a cause she believed in.

Kino kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi.

(2) The feminist collective has lost a courageous Commando.

I have lost a radically innovative ally who pioneered nude protest among Uganda’s elite.

She was fearless when fighting patriarchs.

She found peace in wholeheartedly giving her solidarity to underdogs she identified with.

Kino kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi.

Stella Nyanzi with Barbra Allimadi

(3) The liberation struggle in Uganda has lost a committed strategist.

I have lost an exemplar who never allowed womanhood to exclude her from politics.

She was at the forefront thinking for freedom.

She led by example; majestically pushing through the trenches battling our oppressors.

Kino kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi.

(4) ANT has lost a Minister of International Affairs.

I have lost a passionate source of inspiration whose resilient tenacity was boundless.

She never gave up even if it called for resurrection.

She always picked herself up after a fall, hoisted herself up her horse, and marched on.

Kino kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi.

(5) Milton has lost an amazing sister.

I have lost a candle that will no doubt ignite many fires in my daughter’s generation.

She is indelibly written in my history of the revolution here.

She is Uganda’s heroine who will henceforth lead us from the world of goddesses.

Kino kitalo nnyo ekya Barbara Allimadi.

May Barbara Allimadi rest well! We shall not rest until the freedoms she fought for are attained. Rest, mighty warrior, rest in power

BARBARA FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY – BOBI WINE

People Power movement boss Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu alias Bobi Wine, in his tribute to Allimadi said she was a freedom fighter and a true comrade in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Uganda.

“It with with deep shock and profound grief that I have learnt of the untimely passing of our dear sister in the struggle, Barbara Allimadi. There are many things we shall say about her in the coming days, but in brief, Barbara has been a freedom fighter- a true comrade in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Uganda,” he said.

He added, “My deepest condolences to her family, especially my comrade brother Milton Allimadi. My deep condolences to Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Party where she served as Secretary for International Affairs. In honoring the family’s request for privacy in this tragic time, we’ll be praying for her soul to rest in perfect peace.”

Barbra Alimadi during the semi nude protest

AN IMPACTFUL AND A FEARLESS FRONTLINE ACTIVIST – BESIGYE

In his tribute, Dr Kizza Besigye, former president for Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) where Allimadi was also once a member described her as “an impactful and a fearless frontline activist.”

“Barbara has been an impactful and a fearless frontline activist of the ongoing liberation struggle in Uganda. Her sudden (and still inexplicable) demise is as shocking and painful as it’s debilitating. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends,” Dr. Besigye tweeted.

WHO IS BARBRA ALIMADI?

Barbra Alimadi is one of 17 children born to the late Otema Allimadi, a former Prime Minister of Uganda during the Obote II regime between 1980 and 1985, Allimadi attended Nakasero Primary School before joining Gayaza High School for one year prior to her family’s exile to the United Kingdom following the 1985 coup that ousted Dr Milton Obote. Until her return to Uganda, she worked as a network engineer in the UK. In 2007, she returned for her mother’s funeral, and eventually decided to stay.

Allimadi became a popular activist in April 2012 when she stormed Police together with other activists in a semi -nude protest against police brutality against fellow activist Ingrid Turinawe whose breasts were squeezed by police officers during her arrest in 2012.

By Ronald Kisekka