Yesterday, hundreds of Ugandan music fans descended upon Nansana Hill in Wakiso district to pay their last respect to singer Sera of the famous Contagious song.

Sera, a budding R&B/dancehall artiste collapsed and died on Tuesday at a burial ceremony in Masaka district. Sera, born Sarah Nampiija had travelled with fellow Swangz Avenue label mates to attend a burial ceremony of a colleague's father.

Sources at the Masaka burial have told us that Sera had been complaining of hunger when she collapsed and fell to the ground at around 7:30pm. She was then rushed to a nearby clinic but efforts to save her were futile.

"They (clinic) gave us a referral letter to Kitovu Hospital but unfortunately she died on our way there. She died in my arms. It was at exactly 8pm," a Swangz Avenue source told us.

To friends, Sera will be remembered for her energy and great sense of humour. In fact, they say she stubbornly insisted on staying on an empty stomach the whole day, hoping to eat when she returned to Kampala that same evening. Unfortunately, acute ulcers caught up with her.

"You'll for ever have a special place in my heart Sera. I will forever miss your jokes and great care," singer Viboyo Oweyo posted on his Facebook page whose profile picture he has since replaced with a picture of a smiling Sera.

Swangz Avenue boss, Benon Mugumbya was too devastated to offer a comment. He could only mutter: "I cannot believe it. I just can't."

At only 21 and barely two years into the business, Sera had proved she had the potential to become the next big star. She is best known for her 2011 hit Contagious (ft. Jeff Blaise). The Jamaican-styled love song, available on Youtube, is taunted to land a spot on this year's PAM Awards nomination list.

Sera's signature mellow laid back voice had also blessed audiences with hits such as I Had a Dream (ft. Young Zee), Sunrise and Fire. Fans and artistes across East Africa have since taken to social media to express their condolences.

"God loved Sera before we all knew her; that's why he created her in his own image indeed. It's the same God that decided to take her back where she came from; the same way we shall be taken back.... Am going to miss your swag SERA," gospel artiste D'Angelo Busuulwa posted.

"Really 21yrs dats nuthin in this world.....thou we shal kip on wit yr music....," one Ricky Stephen posted. Another fan, Patience Ngamita wrote: "Rip sleepin beauty. Loved u and ur music even if I didn't meet u in person."

And on behalf of The Observer team, RIP Sera.