The Late Kalema
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Ugandans are mourning one of the most pragmatic and outstanding female politicians who died at the age of 96.
Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, passed away at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment for years.
Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament described the late Kalema as a woman of unique character and valour, down-to-earth and amiable.
“She was active in politics even before independence, but her most instrumental role came after the fall of the Amin dictatorship,” Tayebwa said on his X handle, adding that her courage, wisdom, and mentorship have helped shape generations.
Tayebwa fondly recalled a 2023 visit to Kalema’s home in Kibuli, alongside former Minister Miria Matembe, where they held a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, education, and public service.
Born in 1929, Kalema was the daughter of Martin Luther Nsibirwa, the former Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda. She was educated in the United Kingdom as a social worker.
Upon returning to Uganda, Kalema began a distinguished career that bridged social service and national politics during critical phases of the country’s development.
Her political career gained national prominence in 1979, when she was appointed to the National Consultative Council (NCC), Uganda’s interim legislative body following the overthrow of Idi Amin.
Kalema later served as Deputy Minister for Public Service from 1989 to 1991 and played a key role in shaping Uganda’s democratic foundations as a delegate in the 1994 Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
She was also a member of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), which metamophed into the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
She has been fondly referred to as the mother of the Uganda Parliament.
About the Author
