Tragic Mercy’s family postpone prayers as they wait for answers
THE devastated family of a Ugandan mother found dead beside her starving baby in a Glasgow flat are still waiting for answers over her shocking death.
Mercy Baguma, 34, the daughter of a wealthy politician, was discovered by police in the Govan area of the city last Saturday after friends raised the alarm.
The restaurant worker’s malnourished baby boy was crying by her side.
In the days since her body was found there has been significant speculation about the cause of her death. According to a charity, she had fallen victim to ‘extreme poverty’ during lockdown after she lost her job.
Meanwhile, friends in Uganda said she struggled with depression for ‘many years’. She is also said to have had liver and kidney problems. The true details of her death have yet to be confirmed by a post-mortem examination.
Last night, her father, Abdul Nakendo, said it was only when he had received more clarity around her death that he would be ready to proceed with a memorial service. A prayer ceremony was set to be held this morning in Ms Baguma’s home district, Bugiri.
But Mr Nakendo, a former MP in the region, yesterday said that prayers in memory of his daughter were cancelled while the family was still waiting for detailed information. He added: ‘Preparations are under way to return her body in two weeks’ time. As a family we have decided she should rest in peace.’
The family expects the post-mortem exam report will be completed by September 4. Ms Baguma’s brother, Eric Muhangi, has told of his astonishment at claims his sister had become destitute, saying: ‘We have money, we are not poor. If she needed something, all she had to do was ask.’
Meanwhile, her sister, Hajirah Nakendo, a lawyer, said: ‘Often we forget that those who are the happiest in life also hide their pain the best. As happy as she seemed, she was no exception. I remind myself that she no longer has to endure the pain of this world. We all must find peace knowing she is still a light in our hearts.’
Ms Baguma’s baby is being cared for by his father, understood to be a Nigerian asylum seeker.