The late Hon. Hellen Nakimuli
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I These are the new details about the death of the Kalangala Woman MP, Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, who passed away on Sunday following what has been described as an unsuccessful surgical procedure in Kampala.
Nakimuli, 40, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District and a member of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), was pronounced dead at Alexandria Medical Center after reportedly failing to recover from surgery. Her body was later transferred to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Multiple confirmations from party officials and parliamentary colleagues indicate that the legislator had undergone a planned procedure, which she had earlier described as “not major.” However, complications arose after the operation.
According to the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, the party leadership received news of her passing at around 4 p.m. on Sunday.
“We rushed to Alexandria Medical Center located along Yusuf Lule Road and confirmed indeed that she had passed away,” Rubongoya said. “The doctors told us that she was undergoing surgery which was done and completed but she did not wake up from it. They tried their best to resuscitate her but all in vain.”
Earlier in the day, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, had spoken to Nakimuli as she prepared for the procedure, highlighting how active she remained even in her final hours.
“This morning at about 9:00 a.m., I spoke to Hon. Hellen Nakimuli regarding a meeting of Opposition MPs,” Ssenyonyi said. “At the time, she was literally driving herself to the hospital for a surgery, which she indicated was not major. Unfortunately, she has not made it out of the theatre.”
The sudden death of Nakimuli has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s political landscape, coming just weeks before she was due to be sworn in as a member of the 12th Parliament on May 14, 2026.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among described the fallen legislator as an “esteemed colleague,” noting that her passing had left Parliament in a state of shock with “insufficient words” to express the loss.
Nakimuli, who first entered Parliament following the 2021 general elections, had built a reputation as a vocal and fearless advocate for the people of Kalangala, particularly fishing communities in the Ssese Islands.
Her political journey began at the grassroots level, where she served as a Community Development Officer in Bukebe, Bufumira, and Mazinga sub-counties. Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga recalled that it was during this time that her “zeal and determination to better the lives of the people of the Ssese Islands” became evident.
In Parliament, Nakimuli served as Shadow Minister for Information and previously held the docket for fisheries, where she was known for challenging government on issues affecting lakeside communities and maritime safety.
Even in her final days, she remained actively engaged in legislative work. On April 15, 2026, during one of her last appearances in Parliament, she sharply questioned government officials over the construction of Hoima City Stadium ahead of a planned CAF inspection.
“Why didn’t you get professionals to work on this stage and to approve?” she asked. “Where did you get the plan you used for Hoima City Stadium?”
Beyond politics, Nakimuli was also recognised for her passion in sports, particularly netball, basketball and volleyball. Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua noted that her athletic spirit positively influenced many young people.
Her death has drawn an outpouring of grief from across the political divide. NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi described the news as “terrible and shocking,” calling for strength and unity during the difficult time.
Other legislators, including Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula and NRM’s Juma Witonze Kisekka, also extended condolences, describing her passing as heartbreaking.
In an official statement, the Parliament of Uganda expressed “deep sorrow,” extending condolences to her family, the people of Kalangala, and the nation at large, adding that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Nakimuli, a devout member of the Orthodox faith and daughter of Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi, is remembered as a peaceful, hardworking and energetic leader whose life was cut short at the height of her political career.
As the country awaits the post-mortem results, her death leaves a significant void in both Parliament and the communities she passionately represented
About the Author
