Summary:
- President Museveni described Mateke as a calm and good person who managed to maneuver the difficult politics of Kisoro district without creating enemies, which explains why most people have only spoken good things about her.
KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed that Sarah Mateke, the former Minister of State for Defence was slated to travel to South Korea, for the same Security Conference that former Internal Affairs Minister, Aronda Nyakairima was returning from, when he died aboard a flight in September 2015.
The President made the revelation while addressing mourners at Parliament, where he had gone to pay his respect to Mateke, saying that it was good Sarah Mateke didn’t get onto the plane just as Aronda had done, saying had he known about Aronda’s medical condition, he would have blocked his travel.
“We are coming from remembering General Aronda, you remember Aronda died on the plane who was coming from South Korea on the conference of security. Now, this Sarah was apparently supposed to travel to South Korea on the same conference from which Aronda died when he was coming back. And she was supposed to travel that night. Now, it was fortunate that she didn’t go on the plane,” said Museveni.
“When Aronda died on the plane, I didn’t know that he had a medical condition that was a problem, I didn’t know. If I had known, I would have stopped him from travelling those long distances. So this is the only side I would advise our cadres, Ugandans, be careful with health. Make sure you check properly, and if there is need for rest, you rest,” added President Museveni.
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President Museveni urged all NRM cadres and Ugandans to take good care of their live by conducting medical checkups noting that Mateke had also gone to conduct some checkups ahead of her travel, but her condition was discovered when too late, adding that although as fighters there are lives that are lost, but there is need to avoid some losses due to the gaps created when the fighters die.
“Like in this case, it was good that she went to check, but it was a bit too late. But she was going to travel on such a long distance when she had a medical condition which was quite sensitive. Therefore, my appeal to the cadres, remember that you are a soldier,” remarked President Museveni.
“We are fighters, we lose people when we are fighting, our people die, we kill them, the enemy also kills us, but we move on. But we try to avoid unnecessary losses because anybody who dies, creates a gap on our side. Death takes away strength from us and that is why therefore, the fighters should look after their lives not as just theirs, it is also ours all of us because when you go, you go, but you leave us in a problem. How shall we fill your gap, what shall we do? How shall we fill here where you have left? And that is why you should carefully, check your life,” said President Museveni.
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In his tribute, President Museveni described Mateke as a calm and good person who managed to maneuver the difficult politics of Kisoro district without creating enemies, which explains why most people have only spoken good things about her.
“She would be calm, say a few words. I formed the Committee to study the issue of Congo. She was there, representing Kisoro and they were supposed to brief me in those discussions, which are where I interacted with her closely. You could see that she was very careful with her words. She doesn’t just talk like that. So it is a big loss, but the few years she has been here, she has been like an example to those who know her well. Because you know how quarrelsome those Bafumbira can be, so when you hear people give testimony that she was good, you know that she was really good,” explained Museveni.
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Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support and solidarity with Parliament during this time of loss. She urged MPs to pray for the protection of the Legislature, as five MPs have passed away since 2022.
“This is the fifth time the 11th Parliament has convened to pay tribute to fallen members,” Among noted. “We lost Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022, Patrick Okabe in December 2022, Charles Engola in May 2023, Cecilia Ogwal in January 2024, and now, hardly eight months later, Sarah is also gone. We need to pray for ourselves as an institution and as a country for protection and guidance from God.”
Among reminded MPs that life is fragile and emphasized the need for unity, urging them to end internal conflicts and support each other. “We are living on borrowed time, and at any moment, God can call us back. We must be each other’s keepers, love one another, and avoid petty grudges.”
Vice President Rtd Maj. Jesca Alupo reflected on her experiences with Mateke during their time in the 9th Parliament, praising her collaborative nature and friendly disposition.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, leading the Executive in mourning, highlighted Mateke’s dedication to youth education and empowerment through her Nyirabashitsi Foundation.
“Mateke had an illustrious career serving Uganda in various capacities, notably contributing to the development of women and youth,” Nabbanja said. “Her commitment to community development inspired many girls and young people to pursue education, politics, and other avenues for positive change.”
Marksons Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, shared his experience working with Mateke when she first took on her role. He noted her calm and consultative nature, qualities that helped her adapt quickly despite initially being unfamiliar with her duties.
Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, described Mateke as a unifier who would often make personal concessions for the sake of harmony. Recalling a recent interaction, he shared how Mateke had warmly welcomed him in Kisoro and invited him to visit her home, unknowingly bidding her final farewell.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi noted that Mateke’s calm and composed approach made it difficult to conflict with her. He highlighted her passion for youth and children’s affairs, praising her integrity and absence from corruption scandals during her time in government.
“Sarah Mateke’s untimely death is a significant loss,” Ssenyonyi said. “Her gentility and dedication to service should inspire us all to fight corruption and improve the welfare of our citizens, including those in uniform.”
As Parliament and the nation bid farewell to Mateke, leaders across the political spectrum remembered her as a committed, humble, and patriotic servant of the people
