Kalangala set to hold vigil today as MP Nakimuli’s body arrives

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Following the death of Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli during surgery on April 19, 2026, a tentative burial programme has been drafted.

Her body is expected to be transported today, Monday (April 20), to Kalangala district headquarters, where a vigil will be held.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, it will be presented to a special council session before being transported back to Kampala via the Masaka route.

A sporting legislator

Besides serving as captain of the parliamentary volleyball team, Nakimuli was the patron of Ssese FC playing in the Masaza Cup.

Last season, she reportedly injected over sh30 million into the team, which reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

Samuel Kwesiga, one of the district sports technical personnel, told New Vision that Kalangala had ceased competing in the league one tournament, but, with her support, Kalangala returned to the competition.

“Not only with funds, but with vibe and love for sports,” says Kwesiga.

The saza deputy chief, Suzan Kaweesa, said that in the forthcoming Masaza Cup tournament, the deceased had already committed herself to supporting the team in different ways.

Disaster responder

According to David Omongot, the district disaster focal person at Kalangala district headquarters, the death of Nakimuli is considered a disaster in itself.

“Last year, when a severe storm killed civilians and police officers, she was the first person to bring relief as well as press the OPM to avail more relief to victims,” says Omongot.

He added that she had been vocal on the floor of Parliament, particularly on disasters affecting the Kalangala islands.

“As Kyamuswa leaders, her response has always been timely; she has been cooperative and responds immediately on island issues,” says Joshua Wafumbwa, the Kyamuswa subcounty councillor.

Uplifted women

Sarah Birunji, a stall owner at Kalerwe Market in Kalangala, said the deceased was a down-to-earth leader who bonded easily with people, especially women across the district.

“Every women group had her hand financially. Every stall owner had her support financially. Her fight to change the standard of living are left in suspense mainly by the Nakimuli Foundation,” we are going to miss a true leader," said Birunji.

Aisha Nantayi, the leader of Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU) in Kalangala, expressed her grief, noting that Nakimuli’s last appearance in the district was at a Catholic teachers’ party at Bugoma Sand Beach on Friday, April 17, 2026.

“In our discussion, she expressed her worries about the surgery despite affirming to us that it was a minor one,” she adds.

Julius Mukasa Opondo, the Bujumba MP, told New Vision that the country has lost a friendly, cheerful and intelligent legislator who will never be replaced in Kalangala’s history.

Who was Nakimuli

On July 2, 1985, on Bukasa Island, Nakimuli was born to the late Nalwanga Maria Nalugweeya and Fr Christopher Walusimbi.

She began her education at Bukasa Primary School before joining Hormisdallen School, where she completed Primary Seven. She later joined Our Lady of Good Counsel Gayaza for O Level and proceeded to St Augustine’s College Wakiso for A Level.

Nakimuli later joined Makerere University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration.

After completing her studies, she served as a Community Development Officer in several subcounties in Kalangala before joining politics during the 2021 general elections.

She has been the re-elected Woman MP for Kalangala on the National Unity Platform ticket in the January 15, 2026, general elections.