Parliament Honors Fallen Minister Sarah Mateke

The Ugandan Parliament has paid its final respects to the late State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke, who passed away following a heart attack at Mengo Hospital. In a somber session held earlier today, members of Parliament gathered to reflect on her legacy and contributions to the nation.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja led the tributes, introducing the motion to honor Mateke’s memory. She was joined by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and Defence Minister Jacob Markson Oboth in seconding the motion. Nabbanja described Mateke as a patriotic leader who served with dedication, especially for the people of Kisoro, where she hailed from.

“Mateke was a beacon of leadership from her youth,” said Nabbanja, while drawing attention to the growing threat posed by non-communicable diseases like heart conditions. She noted that these diseases are increasingly claiming the lives of influential figures like Mateke, who had been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s development path.

Defence Minister Oboth echoed Nabbanja’s sentiments, emphasizing Mateke’s remarkable skills in handling both national and international duties. “She was not only intelligent and reliable but represented Uganda with grace on the international stage. Her loss is deeply felt by the entire government,” he remarked.

Opposition Leader Ssenyonyi praised Mateke for her integrity, noting that throughout her career, her name had never been tainted by corruption scandals. “If there were any, then I must have missed them,” he said, urging other leaders to follow her example of service without personal gain.

Speaker of Parliament, Anitah Among, described Mateke’s passing as a painful reminder of life’s fragility. “Death is cruel, and it has taken one of our own far too soon,” she stated. Among praised Mateke’s leadership qualities, noting her courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to teamwork. “She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and action, especially in her advocacy for children and youth,” she added.

Among also mentioned several projects Mateke had spearheaded, including the Kanyamatekye Bridge, the rehabilitation of Buhoozi Health Centre II, and the construction of a men’s ward at Nyarusiza Health Centre III, all of which remain incomplete. She called on the government to ensure that these projects, vital to Mateke’s constituency, are finished in her honor.

As Parliament mourns her passing, the tributes underscore the deep impact Sarah Mateke had on both national and local levels, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service to Uganda.