Summary:
- Nyirabashitsi, who was also the Woman MP for Kisoro District, allegedly succumbed to a heart attack.
KAMPALA: The Parliament of Uganda is mourning the sudden death of the State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, who passed away on Saturday morning in Kampala.
Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among, expressed her sorrow, noting that Parliament has lost a dedicated and humble servant of the country.
“With a heavy heart, I have received the news of the demise of Hon Sarah Mateke, Woman MP for Kisoro and State Minister for Defence. Sincere sympathies to her family, H.E. Kaguta Museveni, relatives, friends, and the Kisoro community. In her, we have lost a humble and committed servant of our country,” Speaker Among stated.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also expressed his shock at Mateke’s death, highlighting her vibrant personality and potential.
“I am very disheartened by the sudden death of Hon Sarah Mateke, Woman MP for Kisoro District and State Minister for Defence. It is truly shocking! Hon. Mateke was full of life and promise, but indeed God’s ways are not our ways. My heartfelt condolences go to her family, Mzee Philemon Mateke, H.E. Kaguta Museveni, Speaker Anitah Among, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, members of Cabinet, colleagues in Parliament, and the people of Kisoro. Go rest with the angels, my sister, till we meet again,” Tayebwa said.
Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja described Mateke as a dedicated and patriotic servant of the country.
“We have lost a humble, committed, and patriotic servant of the country who will forever be remembered. May the Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest,” Nabbanja said.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda also extended her condolences, describing Mateke’s death as a great loss.
“I have received disturbing news this morning of the death of a Cabinet colleague, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke (DWR-Kisoro). Very sad, indeed! N.O.C will meet with the family and organize with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs for a dignified send-off. A full burial program will be subsequently issued. My heartfelt sympathies go to the Mateke family, H.E. the President, the entire Cabinet, the Ministry of Defence, all people of Kisoro, and all Ugandans at large. May God strengthen us all and grant the late Hon. Sarah Mateke eternal rest,” Babalanda said.
Democratic Party President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, said the country had lost a bright and promising light.
“Death is really big-headed! I’m very sorry. We’ve lost a bright and promising light whose full radiance we were yet to see. May her soul rest in peace,” Mao stated.
Nyirabashitsi, who was also the Woman MP for Kisoro District, allegedly succumbed to a heart attack. Born on July 15, 1974, she previously served as Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
She was born in Chahi sub-county, Kisoro District in the Kigezi region, to Philemon Mateke, a former State Minister for Regional Affairs, and Joy Rwanfizi Mateka, a professional teacher. Nyirabashitsi was the third of six children.
She attended Seseme Integrated School and Maryhill High School for her secondary education before joining Bugema University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She also held a Master’s degree in Public Health and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.
Nyirabashitsi was the founder of the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which supports children in boarding secondary schools, and the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University and Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute.
She began her public service career as an Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council and won the Kisoro District Woman MP seat in 2021. She was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs), replacing Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi.
