Tributes pour in for Edinburgh mum who 'changed lives' as family left heartbroken

Tributes have flooded in for a selfless Edinburgh educator who sadly lost her life to cancer.

Dr Winifred Kisitu tragically died on May 1 after a five year battle with cancer. Her husband Tom, 57, and three children, Moira, 24, Kester, 20, and Kelsi, 15, have been left utterly heartbroken.

Dr Kisitu had lived in Scotland for over 20 years and made Edinburgh her home. Despite getting the diagnosis in 2019, Dr Kisitu still found the time to advise parents in crises and write academic books.

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It is tradition to be laid to rest in her home country of Uganda which daughter Moira is fundraising for so her loving mother can finally be laid to rest.

Speaking to the Record Moira said: "My mum left Uganda, to join my dad in Scotland back in 1998, she wasted no time developing skills in early childhood education.

"When she got the opportunity to study at Edinburgh University for her master's that was focused on developing her passion and skills in early childhood education.

"At the same time, she looked for and found jobs in nursery schools that helped her to become a quality nursery school teacher. In 2007. She moved on very quickly to develop a PhD thesis that was designed primarily to investigate and improve the quality of early childhood education in Uganda.

"Several early childhood education programs in Uganda were informed, enriched by her novel work in early childhood education. She used her skills and talents to champion and promote issues in early childhood education, positive parenting, and raising confident kids."

Dr Winfred's dedicated work to make the lives of children better across Scotland and Uganda has helped hundreds who are devastated by her passing.

Moira continued: "She was not just an academic, she was a wife and a mother per excellence. She used her personal example and passion to help other parents. Latterly, she became increasingly concerned and involved in the life of young mothers in prison and supported them through charities she founded in the UK.

"Many people who have never met her in person, have expressed loss of her passing and appreciation for the way she helped them to be better mothers, teachers and early childhood educators."

She added: "She had and raised three adoring children throughout her studies and became a pillar of the Ugandan community in Scotland, a supporter of parents, and families in the UK and beyond.

"Although my mum has lived in Scotland and loved every moment she and her family spent here, her heart remained in Uganda her home country.

"It is our duty and desire to honour her wish to take her back home to finally rest. Winnie also uplifted and supported many young people throughout Edinburgh. She was a rock, advisor and mother figure to many."

You can find out more and donate to the fundraising page here.