SAD! MINISTER SARAH MATEKE DIES OF HEART ATTACK

By www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala—

The Minister of state for Veteran Affairs (Defense) who is also the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi is dead.

According to her father, Philemon Mateke, the former Minister of state for regional affairs Sarah Mateke died of heart as they rushed her to the hospital.

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi (born 15 July 1974) is a Ugandan politician and educationist who has been the woman representative for Kisoro District. She was previously Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development appointed in 2021 by the President Yoweri Museveni.

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. My condolences to the family”

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 Mateke Nyirabashitsi was born in the Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District in the Kigezi region to Philemon Mateke and Joy Rwanfizi Mateka a professional teacher.

Nyirabashitsi attended Seseme Integrate School then Maryhill High School for her secondary education. She joined Bugema University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

She also held a Master’s degree in Public Health from the same University and a Postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.

Nyirabashitsi entered her family’s businesses including timber production and transportation. She was the founder of Nyirabashitsi Foundation where she supports children to join boarding secondary schools from senior one to senior six. She was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University, Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala.

Nyirabashitsi joined the public service as Assistant Town clerk of Kisoro town council. In 2021, she contested for the woman member of parliament of Kisoro District and won against incumbent Rose Kabagyeni.

Nyirabashitsi was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) replacing Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. She is affiliated to the National Resistance Movement.