The Parliament of Uganda has paid tribute to the late Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament, Hellen Nakimuli, whose body is lying in state.
Nakimuli died on Sunday following a minor surgical procedure at Alexandria Specialized Hospital along Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala. She reportedly passed away shortly after undergoing what had initially been described as a successful operation. Earlier, the legislator had driven herself to the facility for the procedure.
A wave of shock and sorrow swept through Uganda’s political space following the sudden death of Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament, Hellen Nakimuli, with tributes pouring in from across the political divide.
The first public confirmation came from National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who broke the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“Terrible, shocking news! Hellen Nakimuli, Woman MP for Kalangala District, has passed on after an unsuccessful surgery. May God strengthen all of us in this very tough time,” Kyagulanyi posted.
Moments later, the mood in Parliament turned sombre when Speaker Anita Among formally announced her passing on the floor of the House, describing it as a devastating loss to the institution.
“It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala and Shadow Minister for Information, Hellen Nakimuli,” she said, her message reflecting the weight of grief in the chamber.
She extended condolences to Nakimuli’s family, colleagues, and constituents, noting that words could hardly capture the depth of the loss.
The Opposition in Parliament was particularly shaken. Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi revealed that he had spoken to Nakimuli just a day before her death, making the news even more difficult to comprehend.
“On Sunday, I spoke to her about a meeting of opposition MPs scheduled for Monday regarding the Sexual Offences Bill and other issues, which she was coordinating in her role as Shadow Minister for Information,” Ssenyonyi said.
“At the time, she was driving herself to the hospital for what she described as a minor procedure. Tragically, she never made it out of theatre.”
He added that unanswered questions remain surrounding the circumstances of her passing, expressing hope that postmortem findings would bring clarity to her family and the nation.
As news spread, tributes began to flood in, painting a picture of a young, energetic leader whose influence cut across party lines.
Bbaale County MP Charles Tebandeke described her death as a painful national loss.
“She was one of the most brilliant and vibrant MPs, focused on national issues without fear or favour. Losing such a young and energetic leader is a huge blow to the country,” he said.
Kira Municipality MP-elect George Musisi remembered Nakimuli as a passionate advocate for justice and a committed mobiliser within the opposition ranks.
“Her relatives have lost a loving mother, daughter, and sister; NUP has lost a formidable fighter; and the country has lost a patriot and national leader,” he said.
From the ruling party, Kagoma North MP Alex Brandon Kintu also extended condolences on behalf of the NRM Caucus, describing Nakimuli as a rare bridge across political divides.
Despite differing political affiliations, he noted, she remained actively engaged in parliamentary life and national unity efforts, including sports.
“She was a young and energetic leader whose death is deeply saddening. She represented Parliament in the East African Parliamentary Games and won several trophies. She was also a strong voice for fishing communities and a committed Christian,” Kintu said.
As Parliament continues to mourn, Nakimuli is being remembered not only as a legislator, but as a vibrant voice of a generation whose promise was cut short far too soon.
