Kampala, Uganda: As the 11th Parliament approaches its end on May 12, 2026, Uganda has lost at least eight legislators (as of April 24, 2026) while still in active service, leaving their constituencies in mourning
The losses span across political divides, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) losing four members, while the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) lost two each.
In this story (originally published in the DailyMonitor), we take a look at the eight MPs the country lost since the current term began in May 2021.
Helen Nakimuli (NUP)
Helen Nakimuli, 40, the Kalangala District Woman MP, died in April 2026 at Alexandra Medical Centre in Kampala following an unsuccessful surgery.
Her death shocked many, as she had already secured re-election for the incoming 12th Parliament, becoming the first re-elected MP to die before being sworn in.
Jacob Oulanyah (NRM)
Jacob Oulanyah, 56, the Speaker of Parliament and Omoro County MP, died on March 20, 2022, in Seattle, United States, where he had been airlifted for specialised treatment.
He succumbed to multiple organ failure, leaving a vacancy that led to the election of Anita Annet Among as his successor.
Charles Okello Engola (NRM)
Charles Okello Engola, then State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, was shot dead on May 2, 2023, at his home in Kyanja by his bodyguard, who later took his own life.
His death raised national concern over the welfare and management of security personnel.
Patrick Okabe (NRM)
Patrick Okabe died in a road crash on December 19, 2023, in Budaka District along the Mbale–Tirinyi road.
He became the first MP in the 11th Parliament to die in a road accident, with his wife also succumbing to injuries from the crash.
Cecilia Ogwal (FDC)
Cecilia Ogwal, 77, died on January 18, 2024, after battling cancer. A veteran legislator since 1996, she was widely respected as one of Parliament’s most principled and consistent voices.
Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke (NRM)
Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, 50, died on September 7, 2024, after suffering a heart attack. She served as State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and was known for her strong grassroots engagement in Western Uganda.
Muhammad Ssegirinya (NUP)
Muhammad Ssegirinya, 37, died on January 9, 2025, at Lubaga Hospital after a prolonged illness. Despite his short tenure, he was remembered for community-driven initiatives, including establishing a free health facility in Kawempe.
Stella Isodo Apolot (FDC)
Stella Apolot Isodo died on January 17, 2026, shortly after the general elections in which she had lost her seat. Her death marked one of the final losses of the 11th Parliament.
A Parliament Marked by Loss
The eight deaths, on record, highlight a challenging period for Uganda’s 11th Parliament, with losses arising from illness, accidents, and violent incidents. Beyond political affiliations, the passing of these legislators has left lasting gaps in leadership, representation, and institutional memory.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
