“How high, how high, how high, the name Henry Dunant sounds….” In a sweet, melodious voice, 95-year-old Adyeeri sings like a weaver bird, her intonations weaving through the air with grace. It is her own composition—one that, over the years, has evolved into what many now recognize as the Uganda Red Cross Society anthem.

With passion, zeal, and energy, her smile radiates joy as she effortlessly blends harmonies, her voice rising and falling with natural ease. As we watch, captivated by Adyeeri’s unfading talent, she takes us on a journey through her memories, reliving her time at Uganda Red Cross—25 years ago, yet still so vivid in her mind.

For many Ugandans, Uganda Red Cross Anthem is a symbol of humanitarian service, resilience, and community spirit. However, few know the remarkable story of the woman behind its composition—Yunia Byabazaire Adyeeri, a 95-year-old retired biology teacher whose passion for music and service shaped the anthem that continues to inspire generations.

Born in Kakindo village in Hoima District to Mr. Yosamu Majara and Ruth Kabasindi, Adyeeri was raised in a family with a strong musical tradition. Her grandfather was the head of royal music in the Omukama’s palace, and this musical heritage influenced her deeply. She attended Duhaga Secondary School, Kyebambe Girls Secondary School, and later Gayaza High School before joining Buloba Teacher Training College.

“I never imagined I would become a singing hero. I think it all happened by chance. From the beginning, I wanted to be a teacher like my father,” Adyeeri says.

Her passion for both teaching and music led her to London, England, where she further trained as a biology and music teacher.

“When I went to England to train as a teacher, I was trained as a Biology and Music teacher. I couldn’t drop one.”

Over the years, she taught at some of Uganda’s top schools, including King’s College Budo, Trinity College Nabbingo, Duhaga Secondary School, and Masindi Public School.

Upon retiring from teaching, Adyeeri sought a new way to contribute to society. In 1989, she joined the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in the essential drugs department. Just a year later, as the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary, she was approached to compose an anthem. Her prior experience in composing a song about the proper use of essential drugs had already showcased her talent, and she took up the challenge with dedication.

“I composed another song called ‘The use of essential drugs,'” she said. “They liked it so much, especially the boys. I remember when I went to Kamuli, there was a reverend father (catholic priest) who had a band, and they played it and marched. The song was teaching about the proper use of essential drugs.”

The Red Cross anthem, a blend of English and Luganda, was well-received and became an integral part of Uganda Red Cross Society’s identity. Its message resonated with the humanitarian spirit of the organization, urging people to come together in service and compassion, join Uganda Red Cross society and save lives

“I hope the members learn it and sing it very well, especially when it has been harmonized and sounds like a good song when sung by a good choir,” she says.

Adyeeri’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In 1996, during a World Red Cross conference held in Uganda, the anthem was performed before international delegates. To ensure its success, she trained four choirs, each comprising 25 members, to perform the song.

“I taught them the song, they sang, and oh my God! The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who was in attendance, liked the song so much and said, ‘We are not leaving this woman here; we are taking her to Geneva.’ I was happy because my work was recognized.” Adyeeri notes.

Beyond her contributions to Uganda Red Cross, Adyeeri played a significant role in Uganda’s national identity. In 1962, after George Kakoma’s composition was selected as the national anthem, Adyeeri was among the music teachers tasked with training Ugandans, including the army, police, scouts, and guides, to sing it across different districts.

“I was asked to train people in Hoima district the Army, Police, Scouts, and Guides,” she says.

Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. In 1966, she was selected for a television training program in the United States, after which she returned to Uganda to teach on the Educational Television Program in Kampala.

Many of her students have since gone on to achieve great success, including an Indian student she taught at Masindi Public School, who later became a doctor in London. This former student even helped her acquire essential medication from the UK when it was unavailable in the U.S.

Reflecting on her journey, Adyeeri believes in the power of talent and selfless service.

“Whoever has a talent should not hide it but bring it forward,” she emphasizes. She draws inspiration from Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross, who could not stand by and watch people suffer without taking action.

Her message to the world is simple but profound: love one another, serve humanity, and forgive. The anthem she composed continues to inspire humanitarian efforts across Uganda, a testament to her lifelong dedication to service and music.

As the National Society marks over six decades of service, Yunia Byabazaire Adyeeri remains a shining example of how passion, talent, and dedication can leave a lasting impact on a nation and beyond.

“I feel happy to see the Red Cross serve humanity. I happily associate.”