President Yoweri Museveni has urged leaders to prioritize their health, warning that their sudden deaths would be a significant loss for the country.
Speaking during a parliamentary session in tribute to the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Museveni emphasized that the death of a leader creates challenges and leaves a void that must be filled.
“Leaders must pay close attention to their health. In Nyirabashitsi’s case, she sought medical attention, but it was a bit late. She was preparing to embark on a long journey despite having a serious medical condition,” Museveni remarked after the special sitting on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, to honor the fallen leader.
He also recalled the death of former Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away in 2015 while returning from a security conference in South Korea.
Nyirabashitsi had been scheduled to travel to the same country for a similar conference. Both leaders, Museveni pointed out, died due to pre-existing health conditions.
“Our fighters should recognize that their lives matter not only to themselves but also to the rest of us. When you leave us, we face challenges in filling the gap you leave behind,” Museveni said.
The President acknowledged that while he did not interact frequently with Nyirabashitsi, he remembered her as a calm and composed individual.
He recounted working with her on an inter-ministerial committee focused on the Uganda-Congo border issue.
“I had the chance to interact with her closely when she represented Kisoro in that committee. She was very cautious with her words, a sign of her thoughtful nature. Her passing is a big loss,” he added.
Museveni expressed confidence that during her time in Parliament, Nyirabashitsi had set a positive example for those in her home district of Kisoro, with many praising her dedication.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, thanked Museveni for his support during this difficult time. “When Sarah passed, you reached out to express your sorrow. You’ve consistently stood with Parliament in times of grief, and this marks the fifth time you’ve shown your support,” Among said.
Nyirabashitsi, who passed away on Saturday, 07 September 2024, served as Kisoro District’s woman representative in both the 9th and 11th Parliaments.
She was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) in June 2021, before being reassigned to the Defence Ministry in April 2024.
She is survived by a son and will be laid to rest in Nyakabingo, Kisoro, on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
