Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Minister Mateke reportedly passed away due to a heart attack at Mengo Hospital earlier today. Her father, Hon. Philemon Mateke, the former Minister of State for Regional Affairs, confirmed the tragic news, marking a profound loss for the family, the Kigezi region, and the entire nation.
In an emotional interview with Kigezi Television, Hon. Ndyomugyenyi expressed his condolences, stating, “I am shocked and saddened by the death of our colleague and friend, the Woman MP for Kisoro and Minister of State for Defence and Veterans, Hon. Sarah Mateke, this morning. My condolences to the family and the people of Kisoro District. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
He further noted that Hon. Mateke was recently in good health when they attended the recent Gulu regional parliamentary sitting alongside other MPs. “She looked healthy, and it’s heartbreaking that she is no longer with us,” Ndyomugyenyi added.
Reflecting on her contributions, Hon. Ndyomugyenyi described Mateke as “a very hardworking woman and a team player” who played a significant role in the growth of the Kigezi region and Uganda at large. “Her commitment to service was unmatched, and she was always dedicated to working with others to achieve the best for her community and country,” he said.
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi Sub-county, Kisoro District, Sarah Mateke was a dedicated politician, educator, and philanthropist. She began her political journey over a decade ago, serving as the Woman MP for Kisoro District from 2011 to 2016 and again from 2021. In 2021, she was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development before being named State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Beyond her political career, Mateke founded the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which provided educational support to underprivileged children in Kisoro. She also chaired the Board of Trustees for Metropolitan International University and served as Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council, contributing significantly to her community’s development.
Her untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout Uganda, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, constituents, and the general public, highlighting her impact on national politics and local community development.
Sarah Mateke’s legacy of service and dedication to her country and her community will be remembered fondly, and her absence will be deeply felt across the nation.
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