Thatcher Kaliisa

The whole team at Development Initiatives is united in grief at the sudden passing of our dear colleague, Thatcher Kaliisa, who died this week aged 31. She was laid to rest today in her family’s home of Fort Portal, in western Uganda. Thatcher was in the early stages of pregnancy with her first child. Our hearts go out to her husband Paul at his terrible loss, and to all her family and close friends, including our own team in Kampala where Thatcher worked as a Full Stack Developer for Development Initiatives (DI).

While it is incredibly difficult to speak about the loss of Thatcher, it is very easy to speak about her life and how special she was to us at DI. She was the first female developer on the DI team, who joined us first as an intern and quickly showed all the signs of an outstanding professional. In the male-dominated world of tech, she was a trailblazer.

When I first met her in Kampala, I was keen to ensure that she was not being disadvantaged in any way in her work. She assured me that this was not an issue – partly because her colleagues in the team were very supportive of her, but also because of her own quiet determination and her belief that she could be the best at what she does. Her self-confidence was utterly justified. From the beginning, she showed potential well beyond her role and she was continuing to develop a range of skills – a genuine full stack developer. She had become an inspiration and a mentor for others learning the ropes, especially young women.

In the last couple of days, colleagues across our global team have been sharing their memories of Thatcher. Colleagues have spoken of her radiant smile and gentle boldness, her positivity, warmth and innovative spirit. One reflected on the “privilege to have worked with such an inspirational, vibrant young woman”. Another said, “There are no words that can describe the pain and injustice of such a beautiful soul being taken so young”.

We have also remembered fondly her passion for inventing new recipes, sometimes with AI, and sharing them with her colleagues. And many colleagues knew Thatcher as the one who would be first on the dancefloor, given the opportunity.

Thatcher Kaliisa touched the hearts of us all at Development Initiatives. We are devastated that she is gone. But we will remember her, for as long as she should have lived, with the deepest admiration, appreciation and love.