Summary:
- Speaker Among stated, “Our motto in Parliament is like that of Liverpool you will never walk alone. We shall not leave the son of the late Mateke to move alone; we will walk with you to honor the legacy of your mother.”
KAMPALA: The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Anitah Annet Among, has announced that Parliament will cover the burial expenses of the late State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.
Speaker Among stated, “Our motto in Parliament is like that of Liverpool you will never walk alone. We shall not leave the son of the late Mateke to move alone; we will walk with you to honor the legacy of your mother.”
She eulogized Mateke as a devoted Christian, a unifier, and a peace-lover who was committed to reconciliation.
On Saturday morning, when we learnt of her death, I thought it was fake news, they said she was badly off. Minister Anyakun called me very early and asked where are you? I told her, stop disturbing me very early, she said get up. I didn’t even have a driver, I didn’t have security. She told me, don’t even shower, go. Esther was in Karenga, I did what Esther told me, I got up, I drove myself, no security. Reached Mengo Hospital. Clerk (Adolf Mwesige) was calling me, have you heard, I said, I am already here, I am the one to give you the news- Speaker Among.
She said “Times such as these should pose each of us as a moment of reflection. Of what sort of account we shall give to both who survive our demise and those we meet during eternity. We should be able to reflect. When I reached the hospital and I was alone, I asked MP Esther Anyakun, when I am lying here, will there be somebody?
“We remember to pray for Sarah’s soul, it isn’t an easy moment but we will keep Sarah in our hearts, especially when she has left a young son who hasn’t finished school. And our motto in Parliament is like the one for Liverpool (English Football Club) We shall never move alone, we shall not leave the son to move alone. We will move with you, for the good and the legacy of your mother, we must keep the name Sarah alive”. She said.
Christopher Gashirabake, Justice Court of Appeal, who is a family member to late Mateke, thanked Speaker for standing by the family during the trying time noting, “I want to thank the Speaker who has been with us since Saturday from Mengo Hospital, we have been together in Nsangi and has done a lot in supporting us in this difficult journey. I also want to thank the Clerk, when I gave him the call, he didn’t hesitate to say they were going to facilitate both here and in Nsangi and they have done it.”
Markson Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs lead the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in mourning Mateke, describing her as a dedicated and committed servant who will be missed by the Ministry and Army fraternity.
“Mateke distinguished herself as a committed servant and as a Minister of State for Defence, she will be profoundly missed. Her leadership of dedication will continue to inspire us and guide us forward,” noted Oboth.
“It is a hard reality, it is just her. The Political leadership, and the Management of Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and UPDF fraternity, we were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sarah Mateke. Her death on Saturday at Mengo Hospital has left all of us in profound sorrow. We pray for the Almighty God to give us the grace to bear this loss and comfort. We take this opportunity to celebrate her life, a life marked with exemplary service, steadfast commitment and a deep sense of duty to her nation,” remarked Minister Oboth.
Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja revealed that Sarah Mateke was a personal friend beyond the normal routine work in Government and said that her death has left a big void in Government.
“This untimely demise has left a significant void in Government, her community in Kisoro and in the hearts of many who knew and worked closely with her. She was indeed a devoted servant of God. Mateke wasn’t only a remarkable leader but also a passionate advocate for the welfare of children. Sarah was a personal friend, beyond our routine of work in Government,” said Nabbanja.
“Wherever she has worked, especially with the youths and children, where she was before, she was reappointed to Ministry of Defence, her humility, dedication and passion were evident in everything she did. She approached her work with the spirit of service, always placing the needs of others before her own. Mateke’s exemplary leadership and selflessness were not just admirable, they were inspirational,” added Nabbanja.
The Premier also revealed that President Museveni was forced to adjourn today’s Cabinet Sitting early to allow members of Cabinet to pay tribute to Mateke and confirmed that the President will pay his last respects tomorrow after the Special sitting at Parliament.
“It was a dark day, early morning of Saturday 7th September 2024 on learning that Sarah Mateke had passed on. Allow me bring greetings from the President, we were with him in Cabinet and he had to adjourn Cabinet to allow us to be with him here and he has confirmed to be with us tomorrow at 5:00Pm as we mourn our sister,” explained Nabbanja.
Prime Minister Nabbanja praised Mateke’s exemplary and selfless leadership, describing it as not only admirable but also inspirational.
During the service, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, expressed concern over the increasing fears of poisoning among leaders. He noted that these fears have become so prevalent that MPs attending church functions often avoid the food served, fearing it might be poisoned.
“When we lose people, we mourn, but it should not end in spreading harmful rumors like accusations of poisoning. I think poison has become a common language now, and it’s why many MPs disappear during meal times at church events,” Kaziimba said.
Archbishop Kaziimba, while leading prayers for the late Mateke, expressed his sadness at her untimely death and thanked Speaker Among for organizing the prayers and vigil at Parliament.
“Humanly speaking, we are saddened by the untimely death because we cannot know what God had planned. At 50 years, we were still expecting a lot from her. But none of us can question God. As humans, we are left with questions, wondering why this is happening. When I saw the message of her death, I was shocked,” he shared.
Kaziimba remembered Sarah Mateke as a humble churchgoer who preferred to sit quietly at the back of the church, unlike other MPs who often expect prominent seats.
“She was always humble, sitting far in a corner where you couldn’t easily spot her. Some other leaders arrive late and head straight to the front, even if there’s no seat. But Sarah was different,” Kaziimba noted. He also highlighted Mateke’s contributions to the church and encouraged prayers for her family during this great loss.
Reflecting on his own fears, Kaziimba admitted that, despite his role in preparing others for heaven, he too fears death, even when it means eternal life. He emphasized the need for prayer and support, especially for the current 11th Parliament, which has lost many members.
“I want to pray that God will give you strength. We have lost many people from this House, and we pray that God will continue to protect each of you. Death is inevitable for us all, but no one is ever truly ready to die,” he said.
Sharing a personal story, Kaziimba recounted a recent flight from Seoul, South Korea, where turbulence made him pray for God’s mercy. “I want to go to heaven, but Lord, spare me—I still have a mission to complete.”
James Nsaba Buturo (Bufumbira East), who led the intercession prayers, thanked God for Mateke’s life and asked for grace for her family and all those she touched.
“As we mourn our friend, we know that it will be our turn someday. Let us be united and grateful for the life she lived and the difference she made,” prayed Buturo.
