Parliament has held a pre-funeral service for the previous District Woman Representative for Kisoro, Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who died on Saturday, 07 September 2024 in Kampala.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who led the service acknowledged the ache felt by the household and the nation.
“Humanly talking, we’re saddened by the premature dying of our sister Sarah. But we can’t query God’s plan. As it says in Revelation 21:4, ‘God shall wipe away all tears, and there shall be no extra dying, sorrow, nor crying.’ Sarah is now at peace, and we belief she is within the arms of the Lord,” he mentioned.
He additionally recalled Nyirabashitsi’s humility and dedication to the church. “She was all the time a humble worshiper, sitting quietly within the nook at All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala. Unlike many, she by no means sought recognition however served faithfully.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nyirabashitsi, who additionally served because the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) from April 2024.
Prior, she served as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs) from June 2021.
“Sarah was that one who cherished deeply and would do something to be there for you. She was extra of a buddy than only a colleague. Parliament and the individuals of Kisoro have misplaced a outstanding lady,” she mentioned.
Among pledged continued help to Nyirabashitsi’s household. “As Members of Parliament, we’ll stand along with her household, particularly her son, who continues to be at school. Sarah’s legacy should stay on,” she mentioned.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja conveyed the President’s condolences.
Nabbanja mirrored on Nyirabashitsi’s profound influence as a frontrunner, describing her as a “devoted servant of God” and a passionate advocate for the welfare of kids.
Richard Todwong, the Secretary-General of the National Resistance Movement Party (NRM), delivered a tribute, reflecting on her vital contributions each to the occasion and her neighborhood.
Todwong recalled a pivotal second throughout a by-election in Kisoro, the place Nyirabashitsi’s stance on unity stood out.
He mentioned Kisoro was divided by way of faith, tribes, and different small issues and he requested the place Mateke aligned in these divides, her response, nonetheless, took him unexpectedly.
“She overtly advised me, ‘Secretary-General, I don’t belong to tribes. I belong to the occasion and the Government. All these tribes will proceed to confuse our individuals,” he mentioned.
He mentioned Nyirabashitsi, alongside along with her sister, campaigned tirelessly towards forces looking for to divide Kisoro alongside ethnic and tribal strains.
Todwong urged all leaders to take time for self-care and non secular connection.
Parliament will maintain a particular session on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 to pay tribute the fallen legislator. Prior to the sitting, there will likely be funeral service at All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala at 8:00a.m.
Nyirabashitsi, who was first elected to ninth Parliament (2011-2016) and once more in 2021 [11th Parliament], will likely be buried on Thursday, 12 September 2024 in Kisoro.
She is survived by a son.
