Thousands gathered on Tuesday in Katukura Cell, Kahondo Parish, Kabale District, to pay their final respects to Rusia Orikiriza Bariho, the acclaimed author, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor, who passed away on June 12, 2025, following a cardiac arrest.
Rusia, wife to Engineer Davis Bariho, was laid to rest at her ancestral home in an emotional funeral service led by Msgr. Dr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of the Kabale Diocese, acting on behalf of the Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese. She was 39 years old.
In his sermon, Msgr. Vianney praised Rusia for her unwavering faith and remarkable resilience throughout her illness. “Even in her suffering, Rusia never lost her trust in God. Her life stands as a testament to strength, faith, and selflessness,” he said, urging attendees to place their hope and lives in God.
The burial drew numerous dignitaries including State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi, Kabale District Woman MP Catherine Ndamira, and Ndorwa East MP Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba.
Born on August 19, 1985, Rusia was an accomplished entrepreneur. Alongside her husband, she co-founded ORI BAGSS in 2009, a pioneering company specializing in recycling waste into quality gift packaging products, where she served as managing director.
In 2020, Rusia was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her liver, spine, and bones. Given just one month to live, she defied medical expectations and survived nearly four more years. During this period, she penned her memoir “Cancer Ate My Bones, God Preserved My Spirit,” a deeply moving account that inspired many battling similar illnesses.
In a heartfelt eulogy, Engineer Davis Bariho described Rusia as “a pillar of strength” whose courage and grace never wavered. “Our journey together was filled with hardship and hope. Though her passing was due to cardiac arrest, not cancer, she faced every day with laughter and bravery,” he said.
Their son, Brandon Bariho, recalled his mother as a loving, joyful presence who cherished dancing, traveling, and helping others. “She taught us the importance of kindness, resilience, and service,” he said.
Friends, relatives, and ORI BAGSS employees remembered Rusia as a mentor and beacon of hope. From an early age, she assumed responsibility for raising and educating her siblings while pursuing her career ambitions.
Kabale Woman MP Catherine Ndamira called on mourners to carry forward Rusia’s legacy of compassion and dedication. “I followed her inspiring messages on TikTok. I urge the family to maintain her digital presence as it continues to uplift many,” she stated.
State Minister Henry Musasizi commended Rusia for courageously sharing her illness journey to empower others. “She opened her story not for sympathy, but to strengthen others facing similar challenges. This is true leadership,” he remarked.
Rusia Orikiriza Bariho is survived by her husband, Engineer Davis Bariho Bagamuhunda, and their four children.
