The sendoff program for the late State Minister of Defense and Kisoro District woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who passed away today, Saturday, September 7, 2024, is released by the government through the speaker of parliament.
The program, which speaker Anita Among issued, states that on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 3 p.m., the body of Minister Mateke will arrive at her home in Nsangi, Wakiso district, and there will be a church service until 5 p.m.
Following a service at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala on Tuesday, the body will be brought to Parliament for a special sitting before being transferred to A-plus Funeral Home.
The remains will be brought to Kisoro district on Wednesday for a night vigil and special council meeting.
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the minister will be laid to rest in Nyakabingo Village, Kisoro district.
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi Subcounty, Kisoro District, Mateke was a devoted politician, educationist, and philanthropist who dedicated her life to serving her country and empowering her community.
Mateke’s political career spanned over a decade, during which she served as the woman representative for Kisoro District in the Ugandan Parliament from 2011 to 2016.
She was re-elected in 2021 and subsequently appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labor and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) by President Yoweri Museveni before her appointment as stated minister for defense a post she has held until her demise.
In addition to her political endeavors, Mateke was a passionate educationist who founded the Nyirabashitsi Foundation.
The foundation provides educational support to underprivileged children, enabling them to access quality education from senior one to senior six. Mateke’s commitment to education extended beyond her foundation.
She was also the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University, Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala.
Throughout her life, Mateke was driven by a desire to make a positive impact on her community.
Her dedication to public service was evident in her roles as Assistant Town Clerk of Kisoro Town Council and Minister of Defense.
Her legacy as a champion of women’s empowerment, education, and community development will be deeply missed.
