Dr. Philemon Mateke, the father of the late State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, has described her as a uniting factor in the politics of Kisoro District.
Dr. Mateke, who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party in Kisoro District, revealed that he was instrumental in grooming the fallen minister for a political career, often advising and encouraging her to become a good leader.
He praised her as a dedicated member of the NRM who would traverse Kisoro District in a single day, tirelessly mobilizing support for the party. He described her as a hardworking and pro-people leader who never antagonized anyone.
“She was pro-people and never one to antagonize anyone that just was not in her nature. She was a dedicated NRM leader. I began with UPC before eventually supporting NRM, and we worked together politically. She was always humble and treated everyone with respect. I believe she became a strong politician, perhaps because she grew up observing my political journey,” he said.
According to Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro district LCV chairperson, the death of Minister Mateke was a dark cloud that the district could not comprehend.
He asked President Museveni to consider Kisoro in his ministerial appointments since the only minister they had in the district has passed on.
“I was of the view that President Museveni in his own wisdom should think about someone in Kisoro to be a minister in whichever ministry as long as he or she comes from Kisoro so that we also feel represented in the cabinet of Uganda,” said Bizimana.
Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was born on July 15, 1974, and passed away on September 7, 2024, at 50.
She was a Ugandan politician and educationist who served as the Woman Representative for Kisoro District and was appointed State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs in the 11th Parliament of Uganda by President Yoweri Museveni.
According to the burial program, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi will be laid to rest on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Nyakabingo, Kisoro District. Her body will arrive at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala on Tuesday, September 10, for a memorial service.
After the service, the body will be taken to Parliament for a special sitting at noon. On Wednesday, September 11, her body will be transported to Nyakabingo, Kisoro, for a council session.
The final burial service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Nyakabingo.
