Members of Parliament have paid glowing tribute to former Kalangala District Woman MP, the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli, describing her as a humble yet powerful advocate who gave a clear and unwavering voice to her people.
During a special sitting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among, legislators from across the political divide gathered alongside past leaders, diplomats, religious figures, friends, and family to honour Nakimuli’s life and service.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who moved the motion to pay tribute, hailed Nakimuli as a hardworking and outspoken legislator who consistently spotlighted the unique challenges facing Kalangala’s 84 islands.
Vice President Jessica Alupo described her as a results-driven leader who avoided trivial politics, choosing instead to engage across divides to deliver solutions. This sentiment echoed throughout the House, with many noting that Nakimuli’s strength lay not in rhetoric but in practical action.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi urged Parliament to go beyond ceremonial mourning, calling for reforms to prevent avoidable deaths.
“Honouring her must include strengthening accountability so that no Ugandan loses their life in the way she did,” he said.
Speaker Among praised Nakimuli’s impactful leadership in politics, community development, sports, and gender advocacy.
“The extent of Hon. Nakimuli’s legacy may make one imagine she served for many terms, yet she was only a first-term MP. Her wide network reflects the kind of person she was,” Among noted.
She further described the late MP as compassionate, calm, and a unifier who built strong relationships across party lines despite belonging to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“She was non-confrontational and widely admired for her character,” Among added.
In a separate submission, ICT and National Guidance Minister Hon. Chris Baryomunsi condemned the growing trend of online hostility toward deceased public figures, urging the public to uphold respect and civility.
Parliament unanimously described Nakimuli as a “vocal, compassionate, and relentless advocate” for hard-to-reach island communities, where she championed improvements in ferry transport, healthcare, and education.
Her journey—from serving as a Community Development Officer (2013–2020) to holding shadow ministerial roles in Agriculture and later ICT—was hailed as a testament to grassroots leadership rising to national prominence.
In a show of solidarity, the House adopted a motion moved by Hon. Peter Ogwang to deduct Shs500,000 from each MP to support the education of Nakimuli’s 13-year-old daughter.
Additional contributions included Shs20 million from President Yoweri Museveni, Shs10 million from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, and Shs10 million from Speaker Among, among others.
In her closing remarks, Speaker Among described Nakimuli as “a bridge-builder who believed in consensus over conflict,” while cautioning the public against speculation surrounding the cause of death, noting that the post-mortem report had been handed to the family.
Beyond politics, Nakimuli was an accomplished sportswoman who captained the Parliament Women’s Volleyball Team and also played netball and basketball.
Nakimuli passed away on April 19, 2026, at a private hospital in Kampala following reported complications from surgery. She will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her ancestral home in Luwero.
