Uganda Parliament pays tribute to Kalangala Woman MP Nakimuli

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Parliament on Wednesday (April 22) paid tribute to Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli. Nakimuli, 40 years old, passed away at the beginning of this week at Alexandra Hospital, where she had undergone surgery for fibroids.

She is survived by a daughter, Melanire Namirimu, who is currently in Senior One at Kibuli Secondary School.

While chairing a special sitting, Speaker Anita Annet Among paid a passionate homage to the late lawmaker, describing her as a compassionate and naturally loving person who related warmly with everyone, regardless of political affiliation and status.

“The extent of honourable Nakimuli’s legacy may make one imagine she has been a Member of Parliament for a long time. Yet, she has only served for one term. But when you look at her being a friend to, from a sweeper to a Member of Parliament, all workers in Parliament, people in the opposition, people in Government. That is what Honourable Nakimuli was,” she remarked.

Speaker Anita Annet Among, paid a passionate homage to the late lawmaker, describing her as a compassionate and naturally loving person who related warmly with everyone, regardless of political affiliation and status. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Recalling an incident in mid-March, when she lost her mother-in-law Nakisuyi Ruth Biribawa Safia, Among said she was touched by Nakimuli, who visited her Buyende home to grieve with the family.

“Which, she said, ought to teach all and sundry that it does not matter how long one lives, but rather how impactful they are. Personally, when I lost my mother-in-law, Honourable Nakimuli came and stayed overnight in Buyende. She was such a compassionate lady, down to earth, and when she debated, she would debate with evidence. Honourable members, Honourable Nakimuli was not confrontational; she was such a calm girl. Very calm, which everybody used to admire. Ask yourself how many admire you?” Among alluded.

Members of Parliament paying homage to the late Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

As they send off the late, Among urged fellow lawmakers to pray for themselves, bearing in mind that she is the seventh member the eleventh parliament has lost.

Fast-forward, she called for sanity as the bereaved family and constituents navigate this deceased beloved one. Saying this is not a time to sow political divisions or make frivolous accusations, as that would be insulting to the late leader, who was a unifying factor.

“As Parliament, we will ensure that we will always continue to be in touch with the family. We have just had a meeting with the parents. We got the post-mortem report about the death of Honourable Nakimuli. I have heard stories allover and the Post-mortem has been handed over to the parents. We’ve also had an extensive meeting with the medics, and LOP was involved as Leader of Opposition,” Among concluded.

(Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

(Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

The gallery section was unusually packed with a cross-section of mourners drawn from all walks of life. They included Uganda Volleyball Federation president Sadiq Nasiwu, students from Kibuli SS and newly elected lawmakers such as Ismael Kasule (Hoima West, ANT), Lydia Wanyoto (Mbale City Woman MP, NRM), Peace Tibyaze (Jinja District Woman MP, NRM), and Arthur Atuhaire Kazoora (Ruhinda South), among others.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) delegation was led by Dr Lina Zedriga, the acting party president, alongside Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Treasurer Benjamin Katana, among others.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) delegation was led by Dr Lina Zedriga, the acting party president, alongside Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Treasurer Benjamin Katana, among others. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Several condolence messages, including one from President Yoweri Museveni, which was accompanied by sh20 million, were received. In addition, Speaker Anita Annet Among contributed sh10 million, her deputy Thomas Tayebwa sh5 million, while Government Chief Whip Dennis Hamson Obua gave sh1 million.

Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, laying a wreath on the casket of Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Government Chief Whip Dennis Hamson Obua laying a wreath on the casket of deceased Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

This was before Speaker Anita Annet Among announced that Bukedea Comprehensive, which she established, will sponsor the education of the bereaved daughter.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, described the deceased lawmaker as a hard-working and vocal legislator. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Moving the motion to pay tribute, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, described the deceased lawmaker as a hard-working and vocal legislator.

Who remained firmly committed to the welfare of island communities and consistently drew the attention of Parliament and Government to the peculiar social service challenges affecting the people of Kalangala District.

Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Sekikubo paying tribute to the late lawmaker.

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, paying tribute to the late lawmaker.

MPs paying tribute to the late lawmaker.