Kisoro, (UG):- A section of leaders from the Kigezi Sub-region have asked President Museveni to replace the fallen State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke with someone who hails from Kisoro District.
Mateke, 50, succumbed to a heart attack at her home in Kampala on Saturday morning as she was being rushed to Mengo Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The leaders from the southwestern Uganda region led by Kisoro District Chairperson, Mr Abel Bizimana, described the deceased minister as a seasoned politician who served everybody regardless of their religious and political background.
“She was an icon of unity, a darling of everyone and a strong bridge that connected all the people of all walks of life in Kisoro,” Mr Bizimana said, before appealing to the President to reconsider the region when selecting a replacement for their fallen daughter.
“The appointing authority should consider picking her replacement from the current leaders of Kisoro to heal the mourning souls of the NRM party supporters.”
According to the LC5 boss, the district council will hold a special council sitting this week when the body arrives in Kisoro to pay tribute to her and her efforts.
Biziman was joined by the Kigezi tourism cluster chairperson, Mr Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, who described the late minister as an upright leader with a track record that was never tainted by any form of scandals and they had high hopes in her, especially supporting the improvement of the tourism industry in Kigezi Sub-region.
“As tourism fraternity, we condole with the family and all the people of Kigezi and the country at large over the death of Sarah Nyirabashitsi. It’s also our prayer that the appointing authority considers picking her replacement from the Kigezi,” Mr Batuma said.
Kigezi leaders mourn Mateke
Additionally, several ministers from the Kigezi Sub-region, including Mr Henry Musasizi (State minister for General Duties at the Finance ministry), Mr David Bahati (State minister for Trade and Cooperatives), Dr Chris Baryomunsi (ICT and National Guidance), posted condolence messages on their X handles, saying her demise had left a big gap.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Sarah Mateke. Her contribution and service has left a big mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in peace,”Mr Musasizi said.
“Kigezi has lost a very hard-working and loyal cadre of the Movement. Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke stood for the emancipation of women and the empowerment of young people. She dedicatedly fought for the people of Kisoro and stood for what was right for Uganda,” Mr Bahati, who is also MP for Rubanda East posted.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi said: “I am sad to announce the death of Hon Sarah Mateke, Woman MP, Kisoro District and Minister of State for Defence, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. May the good Lord comfort the family.”
The former State minister for Regional Cooperation, Dr Philemon Mateke, who is the father of the deceased minister, said her death was a big blow to his family.
Official Burial programme
On Monday (today): Mateke’s body will be at Parliament where prayers will be held in memory of Mateke. The body will afterwards be taken to Mateke’s home in Nsangi, Wakiso District, for a night vigil.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 10: The second service will be held at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, starting at 8am. The body will afterwards be taken to Parliament for an afternoon special sitting session in honour of Mateke. After the session, the body will be returned to A Plus funeral home.
On Wednesday, September 11: The body will be taken to Nyakabingo, Kisoro District, where a number of activities will be held including a council session at 2 pm, prayers and vigil.
Sarah Mateke will be laid to rest at her ancestral home on Thursday after a Church service at Nyakabingo.
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