Lawmakers Demand Action on Non-Communicable Diseases After Minister’s Death

(Kampala) – Parliamentarians have renewed their call for stronger action against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Uganda as they paid tribute to the late State Minister of Defence, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who passed away from a heart attack on September 7, 2024. The tribute session was held on September 10, 2024, during a House plenary chaired by Speaker Anita Among.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja led the motion to honor Nyirabashitsi, emphasizing the impact of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which she noted are preventable but continue to claim lives. Nabbanja pointed out that NCDs pose a significant threat to Ugandan society, robbing the nation of key contributors to its development, such as the late Minister.

Nabbanja highlighted government efforts to combat NCDs, referencing the 2015 National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and the National Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme. These initiatives, she explained, aim to integrate NCD services into primary healthcare and establish specialized clinics and training centers for healthcare workers to better manage NCDs.

Additionally, Nabbanja introduced a new initiative called “Healthy Heart Africa,” which promotes cardiovascular health in partnership with civil society organizations. This program is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of NCDs and their prevention.

Legislators praised Nyirabashitsi’s integrity and dedication throughout her public service. Hon. Jacob Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, commended her six months in the ministry, noting that she worked without any scandals. He described her as a diligent and competent team player, often entrusted with high-level assignments, including international military and defense events.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed these sentiments, praising Nyirabashitsi’s efforts to uplift the youth and her impeccable service free of corruption. He remarked on her calm demeanor, which made disagreements with her difficult to escalate.

Many MPs with close ties to Nyirabashitsi spoke of her passion for the people of Kisoro District, whom she represented in Parliament. Her commitment to her constituency was evident, as she was known for spending significant time there and rarely missing cabinet meetings.

Nyirabashitsi’s advocacy for youth and children was particularly highlighted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she strongly supported policies allowing teenage girls who became pregnant to continue their education and sit for exams. Her efforts led to many of these students excelling academically.

Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, called for Nyirabashitsi’s advocacy on rehabilitating street children to be continued. Amongi noted that only Shs20 million had been allocated for the cause, an amount insufficient to bring about meaningful change. Legislators expressed hope that Nyirabashitsi’s work in this area would be brought to completion.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo urged fellow MPs to emulate Nyirabashitsi’s character, especially her role as a unifier. Alupo recounted that during her visit to Kisoro for the installation of the Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, local leaders spoke highly of Nyirabashitsi’s efforts to unite the region’s political figures.

Nyirabashitsi is survived by a son and will be laid to rest in Nyakabingo, Kisoro, on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Speaker Among Urges Completion of Late Minister Nyirabashitsi’s Constituency Projects

Parliament Speaker Anita Among has called on the government to ensure the completion of key infrastructure and healthcare projects initiated by the late Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi. Nyirabashitsi passed away on September 7, 2024, and is set to be buried in Kisoro on September 12, 2024.

In her address to Parliament on September 10, 2024, Among highlighted the importance of completing several projects that Nyirabashitsi had championed in Kisoro District. These include the construction of the Kanyamateke-Busanza-Nyabwishenya road, the rehabilitation of Buhozi Health Centre III, and the establishment of a men’s ward at Nyarusiza Health Centre III.

Among noted that funds had been allocated for these projects in the previous financial year but were unfortunately redirected. She urged the Prime Minister to prioritize these initiatives to honor Nyirabashitsi’s legacy in her constituency.

Parliamentarian Hon. John Kamara from Bufumbira County North echoed Among’s concerns, specifically pointing out the urgent need for improvements to the road leading to Buhozi Health Centre III. Kamara emphasized the importance of providing expectant mothers with access to quality healthcare and called for emergency funds to complete the road diversion.

In a show of support for Nyirabashitsi’s work, Parliament voted in favor of an amendment to the Prime Minister’s motion to pay tribute to the late minister, ensuring that a follow-up on the projects will be conducted.

Speaker Among also used the opportunity to encourage MPs to support each other regardless of their political affiliations. She urged unity among legislators, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and compassion, particularly in challenging times.

In her tribute, Among praised Nyirabashitsi’s active involvement in legislative business and her commitment to improving the lives of young children and youth. She noted the late minister’s ability to effectively lobby, debate, and persuade fellow MPs, marking her as an exceptional legislator.

Among also acknowledged Nyirabashitsi’s contributions to the education sector. Through her support, many children were able to receive scholarships to study at the Metropolitan International University in Kampala, further demonstrating her passion for child development.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for appointing Nyirabashitsi to key leadership roles, first as the State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and later as the State Minister for Defence.

Nyirabashitsi is survived by a son.

Museveni Urges Leaders to Prioritize Their Health

President Yoweri Museveni called on leaders to take greater care of their health, stressing that the untimely death of any leader is a significant loss to the country. The President made this appeal during a special session in Parliament on September 10, 2024, as he paid tribute to the late Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.

Museveni, reflecting on the importance of maintaining good health, warned that the sudden passing of a leader creates gaps and challenges that are difficult to address. He pointed to Nyirabashitsi’s untimely death as an example, noting that while she had sought medical attention, it came too late to prevent her condition from worsening. He further expressed concern about her plan to travel a long distance with a serious medical condition.

The President recalled a similar situation with the death of former Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away in 2015 after returning from a security conference in South Korea. Nyirabashitsi was scheduled to travel to the same country for a similar event. Both ministers, Museveni noted, died due to pre-existing health conditions that were exacerbated by their roles and responsibilities.

Museveni emphasized that leaders should not only prioritize their own well being but also recognize the wider impact their health has on the country. “When you go, you leave us in problems,” he said, questioning how such a gap could be filled when a leader passes unexpectedly.

The President, who admitted that he had not interacted extensively with Nyirabashitsi, described her as a calm and composed individual. His most significant interaction with her occurred when she was part of an inter ministerial committee addressing the Uganda-Congo border issue, representing Kisoro District. He praised her for her careful choice of words and acknowledged the loss her death represents to the country.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among also expressed her gratitude to Museveni for his continued support during difficult times. She noted that the President had personally reached out following Nyirabashitsi’s death, demonstrating his concern for the wellbeing of Parliament. Among highlighted that this was the fifth time the President had shown solidarity with Parliament during moments of loss.

Nyirabashitsi, who passed away on September 7, 2024, represented Kisoro District as a Woman MP in both the 9th and 11th Parliaments. She served as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, focusing on children and youth affairs, before being appointed to the Ministry of Defence in April 2024.