Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashiki , who also served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District, has passed away due to a heart attack at Mengo Hospital.
Her father, Hon. Philemon Mateke, the former Minister of State for Regional Affairs, confirmed that Sarah Mateke passed away this morning.
Hon. Nicholas Kamara, Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), 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.”
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, and Member of Parliament for Kinkiizi East, Kanungu District, also posted on X: “I am sad to announce the death of Hon. Sarah Mateke, Woman MP for Kisoro District and Minister of State for Defence, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. May the good Lord comfort her family, and may her soul rest in eternal peace. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, shared with reporters: “I received the disturbing news this morning of the death of our Cabinet colleague, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke (DWR-Kisoro). This is truly sad. The National Organising Committee (NOC) will meet with the family and coordinate with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to ensure a dignified send-off. A full burial program will be released in due course. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Mateke family, H.E the President, the entire Cabinet, the Ministry of Defence, the people of Kisoro, and all Ugandans. May God strengthen us and grant Hon. Sarah Mateke eternal rest.”
Sarah was Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi Sub county, Kisoro District, Sarah Mateke was a dedicated politician, educator, and philanthropist. She began her political career 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.
Mateke was the founder of the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which provided educational support to underprivileged children. She also chaired the Board of Trustees for Metropolitan International University and served as Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council.
Her death has sent shockwaves throughout Uganda, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, constituents, and the public.
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