life 29 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Fond Farewell to Esteri Apolot Tebandeke: Memories from Iganga to National Theatre
A personal reflection honors Esteri Apolot Tebandeke, recalling distant school days at Iganga Secondary School and joyful dance evenings at the National Theatre with her husband Sam Tebandeke, who donated a kidney to save her life. Her funeral at All Saints Cathedral brought together shared memories of a vibrant soul now gone. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/here-s-to-you-esteri-apolot-tebandeke-till-we-meet-again-5405504
Esteri Apolot Tebandeke’s funeral at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero turned into a heartfelt sharing of memories by those who knew her best.
The writer first spotted her at Iganga Secondary School during their shared years there, though they never became close friends. Life’s paths crossed again over six years later at the National Theatre.
There, as a late-night radio host with free evenings, the writer joined a dance class taught for free by skilled performers like Sam Ibanda, Jonas Byaruhanga, and Sam Lutaaya Tebandeke—Esteri’s future husband.
Sam later donated one of his healthy kidneys to Esteri after her own failed, a selfless act amid their dance-filled evenings practicing styles like contemporary African dance, salsa, cha-cha, and jive in the group Stepping Stones.
The writer eventually stepped back due to work and self-doubt about dancing talent, leaving the spotlight to naturals like Esteri and Sam.
Seeing her in a casket last Thursday was a stark reminder of her departure, yet her impact endures through living memories recounted at the service.
This piece acknowledges her time on earth, offers comfort to Sam, and bids Esteri farewell until they meet again.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)