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KT impact: Body stuck in UAE morgue gets repatriated

Sharjah - One generous KT reader came forward to settle her hospital dues and cover the repatriation costs from Sharjah to Uganda.

When 29-year-old Ugandan school cleaner Olivia Nawbosa Nantale spoke to her sister Mariam Kilyokya on January 28, 2018, the sisters had discussed their plans for the New Year. Not once in her wildest dreams did Olivia think that was the last time she would speak to her older sister.
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Body stuck in UAE morgue as family can't afford repatriation costs
For over 23 days, Olivia was in tears of desperation as her sister had died in a road accident in Sharjah on December 29, 2018, and she couldn't afford the repatriation charges to send her sister's mortal remains back home to Naguru, Uganda. Khaleej Times first published an article about Mariam's death and her sister's plight on January 23.
Since the story appeared in KT, a little over hundred readers reached out to help Olivia and support Mariam's six children. In a matter of two days since the article appeared, one generous reader came forward to settle her hospital dues and cover the repatriation costs from Sharjah to Uganda. Furthermore, the reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, even paid for Olivia's air ticket charges so she could attend her sister's funeral.
She left early Sunday morning and the funeral is expected to take place on the same day. Mariam has left behind six small children, aged 13, 11, nine, seven, five, and three. The children lost their father two years ago.
Speaking to Khaleej Times over a WhatsApp conversation from Uganda, Olivia said: "I want to thank KT for the help it has extended. thank you for everything you have done for me. I also want to thank all the people who came forward to help me."
Olivia said several KT readers came forward to help the family financially and emotionally. A donor who helped her with some finances said: "I helped Olivia in whatever way I could. My prayers are with the family. Hope the children recover from this trauma."
Another donor said, "Thank you Khaleej Times for bringing this story to light. In God we trust and to him, we belong. It is our responsibility to help those in need." However, the main donor, who paid for repatriation and air ticket charge, prefers to remain anonymous.
Olivia's biggest regret was not knowing her sister was gone for two days after her death. Once she returns, Olivia still has a long up-hill battle as she needs to recover insurance money.
According to Sharjah Police sources, the driver that caused the accident had been arrested and the case has been referred to the traffic public prosecution.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com