Esteri Tebandeke

Esteri Tebandeke lit up every room she entered with her infectious laugh and boundless creativity. Born Esther Brenda Apolot on May 16, 1984, she was the kind of person who could make art out of anything - whether she was dancing barefoot in the kitchen, sketching on any scrap of paper she could find, or bringing characters to life on screen. Her passion for storytelling was matched only by her warmth and generosity. Friends would often find her staying up late to help someone perfect their script or offering a listening ear over endless cups of tea. She had this remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, like they were the most important person in the world in that moment. Her career as a filmmaker, actress, and visual artist was nothing short of inspiring. After graduating from Makerere University's Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, Esteri poured her heart into every project. From her early roles in "Sins of the Parents" and "Master on Duty" to her memorable appearance in Disney's "Queen of Katwe," she brought authenticity and soul to every performance. Her directorial debut, "Her Broken Shadow," marked her as a bold new voice in science fiction - a genre she approached with both playfulness and profound insight. But beyond the accolades, what truly defined Esteri was her dedication to uplifting other artists, especially women in Uganda's film industry. She was always the first to share opportunities, offer mentorship, or simply cheer the loudest at someone else's success. Family meant everything to Esteri. She was the glue that held everyone together - the one who remembered birthdays, organized family gatherings, and could always be counted on for both wisdom and mischief. Her nieces and nephews adored her for her silly voices during storytime and her willingness to get down on the floor and play. She loved fiercely and without reservation, and her home was always open - a sanctuary filled with art supplies, good food, and even better conversation. Though we mourn her passing on March 24, 2026, at just 41, we find comfort knowing that Esteri's spirit lives on in every story she told, every life she touched, and every piece of art that carries her unmistakable spark. She taught us all to see beauty in the everyday and to never stop creating. The world was brighter with her in it, and it's a little dimmer now - but her light continues to shine through all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.