A seven-gun salute was accorded to the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi in a solemn farewell as she was interred on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

The former State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) appointed in April 2024, was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Bugahe Village, Nyakabingo Parish, Chahi Sub-County, Kisoro District.

Prior, she served as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs) from June 2021.

The 50-year-old Kisoro District Woman Representative died on Saturday, 07 September, 2024, at Mengo Hospital in the capital, Kampala, after suffering a heart attack at home.

The Vice-President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the burial. Prior, the Rt Rev. Godfrey Mbitse, Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, led the funeral service.

Isaac Tugume, Nyirabashitsi’s only child, expressed gratitude for the love shown to his late mother.

Nyirabashitsi, was first elected to the 9th Parliament (2011-2016) and again in 2021 [11th Parliament].

Monday, 09 September 2024

Parliament held a pre-funeral service for the late Hon. Nyirabashitsi at Parliament House. The service was led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Legislators paid glowing tribute to the late Nyirabashitsi during a special sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among. The motion was moved by the Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Robinah Nabbanja.

After the special sitting, President Yoweri Museveni paid his last respects to the late Nyirabashitsi at Parliament.