Uganda’s political community is mourning the sudden death of Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, who passed away on Sunday afternoon at Alexandria Medical Center after undergoing surgery.
Nakimuli, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Shadow Minister for Information, died just weeks before she was due to be sworn in for the 12th Parliament on May 14, 2026. Her passing has shocked colleagues across the political divide, many of whom took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their grief and memories.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi revealed that he had spoken to Nakimuli only hours before her death, describing her as committed to her duties until the very end.
“This morning (Sunday) at about 9:00 am, I spoke to Hon. Hellen Nakimuli regarding a meeting of Opposition MPs… At the time, she was literally driving herself to the hospital for a surgery, which she indicated was not major,” Ssenyonyi stated.
“Unfortunately, she has not made it out of the theatre.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the House.
“Words are insufficient to convey the shock we are experiencing at this moment, and we pray that the Lord Almighty sustains her family, friends, and all of us during this challenging time.”
Nakimuli was widely regarded as a passionate advocate for the people of the Ssese Islands. Before entering Parliament in 2021, she served as a Community Development Officer in Bukebe, Bufumira, and Mazinga, building a reputation for grassroots leadership. In Parliament, she became known for her outspoken stance on issues affecting fishing communities and lake safety during her time as Shadow Minister for Fisheries.
Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga said her dedication to improving lives in Kalangala stood out early in her career, noting that it was her “zeal and determination to better the lives of the people of the Ssese Islands” that pushed senior leaders to support her parliamentary bid.
Tributes also poured in from other leaders and public figures. Former Opposition leader Winnie Kiiza wrote:
“Rest in peace my sister, one I mentored myself 💔”
Cartoonist Jimmy Ssentongo shared a personal encounter that left a lasting impression:
“A few days ago when I attended the Alternative Budget reading function at Parliament, I sat behind (as I often prefer). She came to me, greeted me very respectfully in Luganda on bended knee, and asked to take me to sit in front. I politely chose to stay at the back. A few minutes later, she came back and urged me again. I reluctantly accepted this stranger’s request. I later noticed that she was the MC. She returned the third time where I was seated in front and asked me to speak, which I turned down. She returned…
That was the first time I got to know her, and was so impressed by her humility – especially when I later learnt that she was an MP. Go well Hon. Helen Nakimuli. At 40 years you were just beginning! Some things about life we might never understand, we simply carry and move on as we wait for our own hour.”
Mityana District Woman MP Joyce Bagala also mourned her colleague:
“The death of our sister, Kalangala Woman MP, leaves us shocked and broken. Young, vibrant, and tireless, she worked with zeal to uplift the Ssese Islands.”
Nakimuli’s death leaves a significant gap in both Parliament and her community, where she was seen as a rising and dedicated voice for development and accountability.
