The halls of Uganda’s Parliament are often the stage for heated debate and partisan friction. However, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the chamber transformed into a sanctuary of collective grief and shared admiration. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum gathered for a special sitting to pay tribute to the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli, the Kalangala District Woman Representative, who passed away on April 19 at the age of 40.
The session was more than a formal requirement; it was a profound reflection on a life characterized by bridge-building, grassroots advocacy, and a spirit that transcended the barriers of party affiliation. Amidst the somber atmosphere, a singular act of generational support stood out: Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among’s pledge to secure the educational future of Nakimuli’s young daughter.
A Somber Arrival: The People’s Advocate Returns
The day began under a gloomy sky that mirrored the mood within the August House. As the casket containing Hon. Nakimuli’s remains arrived at 10:00 am, it was met by a guard of honor formed not just by security personnel, but by her fellow athletes from the Parliament sports fraternity.
Nakimuli was not only a legislator but a celebrated sportswoman—the captain of the Parliament Women’s Volleyball team and a regular player in netball and basketball. Her presence on the court was described as a microcosm of her political life: competitive but fair, disciplined, and always focused on the success of the team. As the hearse moved toward the south wing, lawmakers in black attire stood in silent respect for a colleague who, only days prior, had been actively challenging the government on Uganda’s readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bridging the Divide: Tributes from the Floor
When the special sitting officially commenced at 2:00 pm, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, moved the motion to honor Nakimuli. Despite Nakimuli being a prominent member of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Nabbanja described her as a “hardworking and outspoken legislator” whose voice was instrumental in bringing the unique challenges of the Ssese Islands to the national stage.
From the opposition benches, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi spoke of a patriot who remained dedicated to her duties until her final moments. He recalled speaking to her on the morning of her passing regarding a meeting she was coordinating as Shadow Minister for ICT and National Guidance. The tragedy of her death—occurring during what was intended to be a minor surgical procedure—cast a long shadow over the proceedings.
Speaker Anita Among’s tribute was particularly personal. She recounted an instance in March 2026 when she lost her mother-in-law; Nakimuli had traveled to the Speaker’s home in Buyende to stay overnight and grieve with the family.
“The extent of Hon. Nakimuli’s legacy may make one imagine she has been an MP for a long time,” Among remarked. “Yet, she has only served for one term. She was a bridge-builder who believed in consensus over conflict.”
The “Nakimuli Motion”: Securing a Daughter’s Future
The most emotional moment of the tribute occurred when the focus shifted to Nakimuli’s 13-year-old daughter, Melanire Namirimu, a Senior One student at Kibuli Secondary School. The realization that a young girl had lost her mother so suddenly prompted an unprecedented wave of legislative generosity.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports, moved a motion that each Member of Parliament contribute Shs 500,000 from their emoluments toward a dedicated education fund for the late MP’s daughter. The motion was adopted unanimously, signifying a collective parental responsibility by the House.
This gesture was bolstered by substantial individual contributions:
- President Yoweri Museveni: Shs 20 million
- Speaker Anita Among: Shs 10 million
- The Buganda Parliamentary Caucus: Shs 10 million
- Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa: Shs 5 million
In a crowning act of support, Speaker Among announced that her own institution, Bukedea Comprehensive, would provide a full scholarship for Melanire, ensuring that her academic journey continues unhindered by the financial void left by her mother’s passing. This act was widely hailed by national media as a rare display of “politics with a human face.”
A Life of Impact: From CDO to Shadow Minister
To understand the depth of the mourning in Kalangala and Kampala, one must look at Nakimuli’s journey. Before her election to Parliament in 2021, she served as a Community Development Officer (CDO) in the sub-counties of Bukebe, Bufumira, and Mazinga. It was in these hard-to-reach island communities that she forged her identity as a grassroots leader.
In Parliament, she was relentless in her advocacy for:
- Lake Safety: Championing better equipment and fair treatment for fishing communities.
- Infrastructure: Pushing for improved ferry transport to connect the 84 islands of Kalangala to the mainland.
- Healthcare: Highlighting the disparity in medical services for islanders, a cause made more poignant by the circumstances of her own death.
She had recently been re-elected in the January 2026 general elections and was preparing for her swearing-in for the 12th Parliament when her life was cut short.
Final Rites and National Mourning
As the session drew to a close, the House observed a moment of silence. The casket was then moved to the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule for a party send-off, followed by a vigil at her residence in Namungoona.
The Orthodox Church, of which Nakimuli was a devoted member, played a central role in her final journey. Her father, Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi, an Orthodox priest, stood as a pillar of strength during the Parliamentary tribute. The church had previously awarded her an ecclesial medal for her service to humanity—a testament to a life lived in accordance with faith and moral conviction.
Hon. Helen Nakimuli is being laid to rest today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her ancestral home in Luwero. While the by-election for Kalangala District will eventually fill her seat, the tributes from the floor of Parliament suggest that her role as a unifier and a “calm girl” who commanded the respect of all will not be easily replaced. In an era of political polarization, Helen Nakimuli proved that one could be a fierce advocate for the marginalized without sacrificing civility or compassion.
