On Tuesday, the UN-Police Women Network under the South Sudan Peacekeeping Mission (UNMISS) held a memorial service in memory of Enid Mbabazi, Police Constable (PC).
On June 2nd, Mbabazi, a member of the Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (FPU-1) hybrid of 240 police officers deployed in Malakal, succumbed to Covid-19 at King Faisal Hospital after being evacuated home for further care.
She’s 24.
The virtual memorial function was held across all UNMISS field offices where Mbabazi ‘s friendly character was praised by fellow UN Police peacekeepers; how she touched hearts of everything she met or worked with, and condoled with her country and family.
Orowo Regina Omuyeh from Nigeria, chairperson of UNMISS-UNPOL Women Network, said that as they mourn for Mbabazi, they should also exhibit the spirit of teamwork to support UNPOL fellow women in overcoming the unique challenges that women officers encounter every day to bring peace to fellow women in South Sudan.
“We should work and support each other as women on the frontline because we face exceptional challenges as women, as mothers who left behind our families… our children behind to bring people to fellow women in South Sudan,” Orowo said.
Eileen Jane Pickering of Fiji, UNMISS coordinator for the FPU Gender Focal Person said: “To the people of Rwanda, Rwanda Police and Enid’s young family, our thoughts and prayers are all with you.”
Pickering, who spoke with sorrow, said PC Mbabazi had left an irreplaceable impression on South Sudan ‘s women and fellow female officials.
UNMISS Police Commissioner Unamisi Vuniwaqa said Mbabazi was a dedicated Rwandan contingent officer who served well in the course of her duty tour.
Vuniwaqa clarified the everyday threats faced by peacekeepers worldwide to fellow police officers who were in somber mood.
“I urge you all to remain strong, resilient and united as we serve the people of South Sudan. Take care of each other as sisters in the UN family. In moments like this, we come together as one to show the families and the world how much we care for each other as female officers in uniform,” Madam Vuniwaqa said.
Quoting from a Bible verse Matthew 5:9, Vuniwaqa said: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”
“As we pay tribute to her life, we must look at the bigger picture that we as UNPOL carry the symbol of peace for the community that needs it most.”
She urged them to look at this as a challenge to stay focused, encourage and tap one another.
“This is not about men and women; this is about how we should persevere, how we move-on and harness our energy as we continue to move forward in this highest standing and selfless calling,” Vuniwaqa emphasized.