Lawmakers have renewed their call to tackle the increasing number of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which continue to claim lives, as Parliament paid tribute to the late State Minister of Defence, Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.
Hon. Nyirabashitsi, who also served as the Kisoro District Woman Representative in Parliament, passed away due to a heart attack on Saturday, 7 September 2024.
Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Robinah Nabbanja, while moving the motion to honor Nyirabashitsi, highlighted the serious impact of NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which though preventable, are leading causes of death.
“As we remember our fallen colleague, I must emphasize that Non-Communicable Diseases pose a major threat to our society, taking away key players in the development of our country, like Hon. Sarah Mateke,” Nabbanja remarked during the session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.
She pointed to various policies and programs, including the 2015 National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and the National Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme, aimed at strengthening the battle against NCDs.
“The government has integrated non-communicable disease services into primary healthcare, set up specialized clinics, and established treatment centers to train healthcare workers in managing these diseases,” Nabbanja added.
She also mentioned the launch of a new initiative called ‘Healthy Heart Africa,’ designed to promote cardiovascular health, in collaboration with civil society organizations to raise awareness about NCDs.
In their tributes, legislators described Nyirabashitsi as a woman of high integrity, whose service as an MP, Minister, and former Senior Assistant Town Clerk for Kisoro Town Council was scandal-free.
“In the six months she served at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, she had no scandal attached to her name, including issues like fuel fraud, which could have serious consequences,” said Hon. Jacob Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Oboth praised Nyirabashitsi as a diligent and competent team player, noting that he frequently entrusted her with important assignments. “She was involved in many international military and defense events, which you can only delegate to someone capable of handling high-level responsibilities,” he added.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed the praise for her integrity, particularly in resisting corruption. “Corruption is rampant, but I never heard Hon. Mateke’s name involved in any scandal during her service. If there was one, I missed it,” Ssenyonyi noted, also praising her calm demeanor. “Even when you disagreed with her, it was hard to argue because she would disarm you with her gentleness.”
Nyirabashitsi’s colleagues highlighted her unwavering commitment to her constituency, saying she spent much of her time with the people she represented and was always punctual for cabinet meetings.
Her advocacy for youth and children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of the most praised aspects of her legacy. She championed policies that allowed pregnant teenage girls to stay in school and take exams.
“She worked tirelessly on the issue of teenage pregnancy, leading to the adoption of a policy that allowed all pregnant students to sit their exams, and they all performed well,” said Hon. Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
Legislators also called for the continuation of Nyirabashitsi’s efforts to rehabilitate street children. According to Amongi, only Shs20 million had been allocated to this cause, which she deemed insufficient for meaningful change.
Vice-President H.E. Jessica Alupo urged MPs to follow Nyirabashitsi’s example as a unifier, a trait that was celebrated both in Kisoro and within political circles.
“When I visited Kisoro for the installation of the Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, local leaders spoke highly of Mateke and her family’s efforts in uniting the politicians of Kisoro. Even the Bishop commended her for her role in fostering unity,” Alupo shared.
Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, survived by a son, will be laid to rest in Nyakabingo, Kisoro, on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
