The family of the late Lay Canon Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, former Minister for Public Service and trailblazing politician, has shared emotional details of her final days, describing her last moments as a continuation of a life devoted to God, service, and empowering others.
Canon Kalema passed away at 3:27 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, where she had been transferred for further medical care after falling ill.
At the age of 96, her daughter Dr. Gladys Zikusooka said Kalema’s last public appearance was at the Scripture Union’s annual conference in Kiboga District, where she was celebrating 23 years of the movement’s work a cause close to her heart. Kalema was deeply respected in the district, where she had also served as the first Member of Parliament.
“She spent her final days inspiring others to love God and make the world a better place,” Dr. Zikusooka said. “Even at 96, she lived with purpose.”
Often referred to as “The Mother of Uganda’s Parliament,” Rhoda Kalema broke ground for countless women in politics and civil service. Throughout her life, she was a mentor and source of courage for those following in her footsteps.
Her health took a turn for the worse on Saturday night, shortly after the Scripture Union conference. She developed acute abdominal pain and was initially rushed to Kiboga Hospital, then transferred to Nsambya Hospital, and finally airlifted to her doctors at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
Dr. Zikusooka revealed that her mother had been working on a deeply personal project before her passing a biography of her late husband, William Wilberforce Kalema, a senior cabinet minister in President Milton Obote’s first post-independence government. He was tragically murdered in 1972 under Idi Amin’s regime.
“My mother still had one more task burning in her heart completing the biography of my father,” Zikusooka said. “She never let age define what she could do. Even now, I still depended so much on her.”
The family had recently missed two important events they had planned to attend together. The first was the launch of “Feeling,” a poetry anthology by Beverly Nambozo, celebrating iconic Ugandan women, published by the Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation and supported by the British Council in which both Rhoda and Gladys were honored.
The second was the 30th anniversary celebration of FOWODE (Forum for Women in Democracy), where Rhoda was scheduled to deliver a speech. She had received FOWODE’s inaugural award in 1996, a moment her daughter proudly witnessed while serving as Uganda Wildlife Authority’s first veterinary officer. In 2024, Rhoda celebrated another proud milestone seeing her daughter receive the Tourism Award for her work with Conservation Through Public Health.
In 2025, Rhoda Kalema was also honored as a Canon of the Anglican Church in Mityana Diocese, a role she cherished deeply.
“She was full of joy and pride to become a Canon this year. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did,” Zikusooka said.
As the nation mourns the passing of one of its most respected stateswomen, Rhoda Kalema’s life remains a shining example of resilience, faith, and tireless dedication to the betterment of Uganda.
