With just three weeks remaining to the end of its five-year term, the 12th Parliament of Uganda has been marked by a series of painful losses, with at least eight legislators dying while still in office.
The deaths, caused by a mix of gun violence, complications from minor surgeries, high blood pressure, cancer, heart attacks, and road accidents, have cast a deep shadow over the House. They have underscored the fragility of life even among the country’s highest leaders, who are often seen as protected by privilege and access to better healthcare.
A deep sense of sorrow has engulfed Parliament, with lawmakers struggling to process the repeated loss of colleagues they worked with closely over the years. At various moments, the usually vibrant chambers have fallen into silence as tributes were delivered and memories shared. Many legislators have described the emotional toll of losing not just colleagues, but friends, mentors, and influential voices who shaped debate, legislation, and national direction.
The grief has been collective and persistent. Each passing has reopened wounds, leaving Parliament in a cycle of mourning that has defined much of the term. For many MPs, the chamber has become not only a place of lawmaking but also a space marked by remembrance and reflection.
These legislators played key roles in shaping Uganda’s legislative agenda, contributing to major policy decisions that continue to influence governance, development, and public administration. Their absence has left noticeable gaps in parliamentary committees, political leadership, and constituency representation.
Among the most notable losses was that of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, whose death in 2022 shocked the nation and Parliament alike. He was widely respected for his leadership and legal mind, and his passing marked one of the most significant political losses in recent years.
He was later joined by several cabinet ministers and legislators whose deaths further deepened the sense of loss within the August House. Most recently, Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli added to the growing list of fallen lawmakers, her death coming shortly after undergoing surgery that had initially been reported as successful.
In the wake of these repeated tragedies, Members of Parliament have increasingly raised concerns about Uganda’s health system. Many argue that stronger investment in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and staffing could reduce the need for medical tourism, which has long seen leaders and citizens travel abroad for treatment.
Lawmakers have pointed out that several of the deaths might have been preventable if advanced medical care had been readily accessible within the country. As a result, calls for improved hospitals, better diagnostic capacity, and timely emergency response systems have grown louder within the House.
It has also sparked broader discussions about preventive care, early diagnosis, and the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and heart conditions.
As the 12th Parliament approaches the end of its tenure, it does so under a heavy atmosphere of remembrance. The term will be remembered not only for its legislative work but also for the lives it has lost along the way.
Notable Deaths in the 12th Parliament
Jacob Oulanyah
On March 20, 2022, Uganda was plunged into mourning following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in Seattle, United States.
Oulanyah had been flown abroad in February 2022 for specialised medical treatment after his condition deteriorated despite care at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He travelled aboard a Uganda Airlines chartered aircraft for further management.
His illness dated back to 2019 when he discovered a neck swelling that was later removed in Germany and diagnosed as cancer. He continued treatment in Uganda at the Uganda Cancer Institute before his condition worsened.
The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, later confirmed that he died from multiple organ failure, bringing an end to a prominent political and legal career.
MP Patrick Okabe
In December 2022, Serere County MP Patrick Okabe and his wife died in a road accident along the Iganga–Mbale highway in Budaka District. Their sudden death shocked Parliament and was confirmed by Speaker Anita Among.
Minister Charles Okello Engola
In May 2023, State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations Col Charles Okello Engola was shot dead by his bodyguard at his residence in Kyanja, Kampala. The attacker later fled to a trading centre and took his own life.
Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal
In January 2024, veteran Dokolo District Woman MP Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal died in India, where she had been receiving cancer treatment.
She had served in Parliament since 1996 and was widely respected for her contribution to governance, human rights advocacy, and legislative development. She also served as Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress and represented Uganda at the Pan-African Parliament.
Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi
In September 2024, Kisoro District Woman MP and State Minister for Defence Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi died of a heart attack, sending shockwaves through both Parliament and her constituency.
MP Muhammad Ssegirinya
In January 2025, Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya passed away at Rubaga Hospital after a prolonged illness. He had previously received treatment in the Netherlands and Kenya and suffered from cancer, hypertension, and lung-related complications.
Apolot Stella Isodo
On January 17, 2026, Ngora District Woman MP Apolot Stella Isodo died after a brief illness. Reports indicated that she had been bedridden for some time and unable to fully participate in her re-election campaign due to declining health.
MP Hellen Nakimuli
Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli died on April 19, 2026, at Alexandria Specialized Hospital in Kampala, shortly after undergoing surgery that had initially been described as successful. She had reportedly driven herself to the hospital for the procedure.
As the 12th Parliament draws to a close, it does so under a solemn cloud of remembrance honouring the lives of departed colleagues, reflecting on their service, and confronting the enduring reality of human vulnerability within the highest levels of leadership.
