Kampala, Uganda – The Ugandan government and citizens are in mourning following the sudden passing of Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Minister of State for Defence and Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District.
According to her father, Philemon Mateke, Minister Nyirabashitsi died of a heart attack this morning while being rushed to Mulago Hospital. “She succumbed to a heart attack,” he said.
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District, Nyirabashitsi was a dedicated politician, educationist, and philanthropist. She served as the woman representative for Kisoro District and was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in 2021 by President Yoweri Museveni.
Nyirabashitsi had a distinguished education background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and a Postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and Management.
Before entering politics, Nyirabashitsi worked in her family’s businesses and founded the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which supports children’s education. She also chaired the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University and Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute.
Nyirabashitsi joined public service as Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council and later contested and won the seat of woman MP for Kisoro District in 2021. She was affiliated with the National Resistance Movement.
Her passing is a significant loss to the people of Kisoro and the entire nation. She will be deeply missed for her contributions to education, politics, and social development.
