From Ellen Galloway, RISE Board of Directors:
Last week, Daniel, our colleague at Beyond the Scars Initiative in Kampala, let us know that survivor and friend Lauben Katami had passed away. Lauben was attacked with acid and severely burned at the end of October 2023 by his own brother when the family had issues about inherited land. BTSI and RISE were connected with him right after he was attacked. When BTSI colleagues Julie and Daniel visited him in the hospital he was touched and encouraged by a visit by fellow survivors who were living productive and joyful lives. Julie and Daniel visited him several times and also provided support for his sisters, who were his advocates during this difficult time. They also appreciated the support of BTSI/RISE donors, saying that they “became strong” knowing that so many people cared about them and Lauben.
Lauben’s recovery was challenging, with many complications and setbacks. We don’t have full information, but we know that he had some pre-existing health issues and at this time don’t know whether he died as a direct result of the attack or from another health problem. We may never know the full story, but what we do know is that being attacked probably contributed to his passing even if it wasn’t the sole cause.
At BTSI’s situational analysis launch and stakeholders meeting in April, friends and colleagues observed that Lauben didn’t look well. Daniel asked how BTSI could help him, but he declined help. Last Tuesday, his son contacted Daniel to let him know that Lauben’s situation was “alarming,” as he had stopped eating and speaking. That day, RISE sent him money to enable him to go to the hospital; he declined to go and died the following day.
A subsistence farmer, Lauben was 44 years old and the leader of his clan. He leaves a wife and four children. His funeral was held on 22 June. At this point, his family is devastated and also in fear that the brother and the friend who attacked Lauben will harm them too.
We will miss our friend Lauben, who struggled fiercely to survive a brutal attack. May he rest in peace.