Uganda’s political landscape is in deep mourning following the unexpected death of State Minister for Defense and Kisoro Woman MP, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi. She passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, reportedly due to a heart attack, leaving the nation in shock.
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi Subcounty, Kisoro District, Sarah Mateke was a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, known for her dedication to public service, education, and community development. Her life’s work was deeply rooted in her desire to uplift the underprivileged and empower the next generation.
Mateke began her political journey as the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament, a position she first held from 2011 to 2016. After a brief hiatus, she returned to Parliament in 2021 and was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, specifically overseeing Children and Youth Affairs. In the most recent cabinet reshuffle, she was entrusted with the critical role of State Minister for Defense.
Beyond her political career, Mateke was a passionate advocate for education. She founded the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which has provided educational support to countless underprivileged children, ensuring they had access to quality education from secondary school to university.
Her commitment to education was further exemplified by her leadership roles as the chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Metropolitan International University and the Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute in Kampala.
Her contributions extended into local governance as well, having served as the Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council earlier in her career. Mateke’s influence was far-reaching, touching lives across different sectors of Ugandan society.
The suddenness of her passing has left a void in Uganda’s political and social fabric. Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the country, with colleagues, constituents, and citizens alike remembering her as a trailblazer and a champion for women’s empowerment and community development.
As the nation awaits an official statement from the government, Sarah Mateke’s legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts and minds of those she served and inspired. She leaves behind a lasting impact on Uganda, particularly in the realms of education, social development, and defense.
Sarah Mateke was not just a politician; she was a daughter of the land, born to Dr. Philemon Mateke, who himself was a towering figure in Ugandan public life. Her death marks the end of an era, but her work and spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
