'Mother, mentor and trailblazer’ – tributes flow for Rhoda Kalema

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Tributes continue to pour in following the death of veteran politician Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, who passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 96.

Widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most influential female leaders, Kalema’s legacy as a political trailblazer and advocate for women’s participation in public service is being remembered with admiration by leaders across the country.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her sorrow, describing Kalema as “our mother, mentor, and trailblazer for women in leadership.”

“Through her boldness and determination, she opened the doors of Parliament to women leaders, mentored many notable female leaders, and made tremendous contributions to our legislative process as a member of the Legislature and cabinet over the years,” she wrote.

Among extended her condolences to President Yoweri Museveni, the Kingdom of Buganda, Kalema’s family and friends, and the nation, saying her memory would continue to inspire Ugandans to serve the country better.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also paid tribute, calling Kalema “a woman of unique character and valour—down-to-earth and amiable.”

“She fondly carried the title of ‘Mother of Parliament’ because of her immense contribution to Uganda’s politics and the cause of women’s emancipation,” Tayebwa noted in a post on X.

He highlighted her early political activism, including joining the Uganda Patriotic Movement after the fall of Idi Amin’s regime, a move that saw her arrested and imprisoned on multiple occasions.

Tayebwa recalled a 2023 visit to Kalema’s home in Kibuli, where he and former minister Miria Matembe benefited from her deep insights on politics, life, and education.

In Buganda, where Kalema’s heritage runs deep as the daughter of former Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa, her passing has been met with profound grief.

Buganda’s Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, wrote in Luganda that the kingdom was “deeply saddened” by the news of her death, calling her “a true image of a noblewoman and public servant.”

Mayiga said she will be remembered for raising children and maintaining a home after the murder of her husband, William Kalema, during the Idi Amin era and that she was a shining light in the home of Owekitiibwa Martin Luther Nsibirwa.

The Old Budonians’ Club, of which Kalema was a long-time member, described her as a “distinguished Old Budonian” who had served on its Board of Trustees and received the Budo Order of Merit for her dedication to the school and community.

In a statement signed by club president Farouk Ssewankambo, the organisation expressed “heartfelt sorrow” and pledged to release funeral arrangements in due course.

Kalema was born on May 10, 1929.