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Speaker of Parliament Anita Among on Saturday, September 7, 2024, led a team of government officials, including the defence minister Jacob Oboth Oboth to Mulago farewell home where the body of defence state minister Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was taken following her demise at Mengo Hospital in Kampala.

It was a sombre mood as many government officials paid tribute to Nyirabashitsi, who was also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro district.

Among also led the country in mourning Nyirabashitsi and said we had lost a humble and committed servant of our country.

“With a heavy heart, I have received the news of the demise of Nyirabashitsi, Woman MP Kisoro, and state minister for defence. Sincere sympathies to her family, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, relatives, friends, and the Kisoro community. In her, we have lost a humble and committed servant of our country.”

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said: “I am very disheartened by the sudden death of Nyirabashitsi, Woman MP Kisoro District and Minister of State for Defence. It is really shocking! Nyirabashitsi was full of life and promise but indeed God’s ways are not our ways. My heartfelt condolences go to her family, Mzee Philemon Mateke, President Yoweri Museveni, Speaker Among, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, members of cabinet, colleague members of Parliament and the people of Kisoro. Go rest with the angels, my sister, till we meet again.”

The chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainurgaba, through his office, said he was shocked to learn of the untimely passing of the Nyirabashitsi: “The UPDF as an institution has lost a close friend and ally. May Almighty God help her family through this difficult period. May her soul rest in peace”.

European Union ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Nyirabashitsi. She was a dedicated and strong leader in all her political fields and a generous supporter of the EU-Uganda partnership. My condolences to her family, Government of Uganda and the nation”.

Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze said: “I have received sad news of the passing of our sister with profound shock. Nyirabashitsi was an active leader with a high sense of responsibility for her work and a warm and lovely person full of humour and life”.

Her successor at the Ministry of Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi said: “Today, I mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, Nyirabashitsi, Member of the Parliament of Uganda, minister of state for defense and a dear friend to many. Her passing leaves a profound void. Nyirabashitsi was a shining example of integrity, kindness, humility, and genuine respect for all. We will deeply miss her presence. May her legacy live on, and may she rest in eternal peace. I had the privilege of following in her footsteps as Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, where she left an indelible mark. Farewell, dear Nyirabashitsi”.

Milly Babalanda, the minister for presidency said: “I have received disturbing news this morning of the death of a Cabinet colleague, Nyirabashitsi. Very sad, indeed! The national organizing committee will meet with the family and organise with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs for a dignified send-off. A full burial program will be subsequently issued. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Mateke family, His Excellency the President, entire cabinet, the ministry of defence where she was deployed, all people of Kisoro and all Ugandans at large. May God strengthen us all and grant the late Nyirabashitsi eternal rest.”

Justice Minister Norbert Mao said: “death is really big headed! I’m very sorry. We’ve lost a bright and promising light whose full radiance we were yet to see. May her soul rest in peace.”

Defence spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye said the minister was in office on Friday and she was scheduled to travel to South Korea on Saturday afternoon.

A member of her family said the former youth state minister was battling heart-related complications.

Nyirabashitsi was the daughter of former foreign affairs state minister Philemon Mateke.

The third-born in a family of six children, she was born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi sub-county in Kisoro district.

Nyirabashitsi went to Seseme Integrated School and Mary Hill High School where she completed her secondary education.

She enrolled in Bugema University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration.

In June 2021, President Yoweri Museveni appointed her Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs), replacing Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi.

In March 2024, she was appointed defence state minister and took over office in April this year.