Parliament honors fallen minister Mateke Nyirabashitsi
The service was led by Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who acknowledged the profound grief felt by Nyirabashitsi’s family and the nation.
Parliament held a pre-funeral service for Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former District Woman Representative for Kisoro, who passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Kampala.
The service was led by Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who acknowledged the profound grief felt by Nyirabashitsi’s family and the nation.
“Humanly speaking, we are saddened by the untimely death of our sister Sarah. But we cannot question God’s plan. As it says in Revelation 21:4, ‘God shall wipe away all tears, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, nor crying.’ Sarah is now at peace, and we trust she is in the hands of the Lord,” said Archbishop Kaziimba.
He praised Nyirabashitsi for her humility and dedication to the church, recalling how she was “a humble worshiper who never sought recognition but served faithfully.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among expressed deep sorrow at Nyirabashitsi’s passing.
“Sarah was someone who loved deeply and would always be there for you. She was more than just a colleague; she was a friend. Parliament and the people of Kisoro have lost a remarkable woman,” Among said. S
he also pledged Parliament’s continued support for Nyirabashitsi’s family, especially her son, who is still in school.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja conveyed the President’s condolences, highlighting Nyirabashitsi’s dedication as a leader, describing her as a “devoted servant of God” and an advocate for children’s welfare.
Richard Todwong, Secretary-General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), delivered a tribute, recalling Nyirabashitsi’s significant contributions to both the party and her community.
He shared a moment during a by-election in Kisoro when Nyirabashitsi declared her allegiance to unity and the government over tribal divisions.
“She openly told me, ‘Secretary-General, I do not belong to tribes. I belong to the party and the Government. All these tribes will continue to confuse our people,’” Todwong recalled.
He emphasized her efforts to campaign against forces that sought to divide Kisoro along ethnic and tribal lines.
Todwong urged all leaders to prioritize self-care and spiritual connection.
A special parliamentary session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to pay tribute to the late legislator, preceded by a funeral service at All Saints’ Cathedral in Kampala at 8:00 a.m. Nyirabashitsi, first elected to the 9th Parliament (2011-2016) and re-elected in 2021, will be laid to rest in Kisoro on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
She is survived by her son.
