Grief, disbelief as Kalangala mourns woman MP Nakimuli

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Shock and grief have gripped Kalangala following the death of the district’s Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli, with residents and leaders expressing disbelief and mourning a leader many described as vocal and deeply committed to her people.

News of Nakimuli’s death reached islanders at around 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 19, 2026, sparking confusion, as clusters of residents gathered in different parts of the district seeking clarity on the cause of her passing.

Nakimuli, who had just regained the Kalangala Woman MP seat for a second term on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket after a closely contested race, passed away today, Sunday, with reports indicating that she died during surgery at Alexandra Medical Center in Kitante, Kampala, at about 9:00 am. She was 41.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, said on X that he had spoken to Nakimuli regarding a meeting of Opposition MPs planned for Monday, April 20, 2026, which Nakimuli was coordinating as shadow information minister.

“At the time, she was literally driving herself to hospital for a surgery, which she indicated was not major. Unfortunately, she has not made it out of theatre. She has died during the procedure,” he said in a post.

Leaders and residents in Kalangala have described her death as a major blow to the district, with many reflecting on her leadership and commitment to community development.

Frank Ssekabunga, from Kyamuswa islands, said the district had not previously had a leader who also mentored young people in the way Nakimuli did.

“Life feels meaningless when one is taken at such a productive age, with so much still to offer her family, her people, and her nation,” said Agnes Lunkuse, the newly elected district chairperson

She said Nakimuli served Kalangala with dedication, courage and a strong commitment to the people.

“Her voice, her work, and her compassion touched many lives. Though she has departed from us, her legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten,” added Lunkuse.

Her passing has cast uncertainty over several community initiatives, including the Nakimuli Foundation, which focuses on improving the welfare of women and girls across the islands.

“We had just acquired land for this project from Buganda; however, since the funder is gone, its future is buried,” says Rajab Ssemakula, the Kalangala district chairperson.

Ssemakula said the district and the country have lost a vocal, prominent and confident leader who always stood on her statements unshaken.

“She has been a mentor to many youths across the district,” he added.

Nakimuli joined politics in 2021 as the district woman MP on the NUP ticket and had recently regained the seat in the concluded general elections.