By Frank Kamuntu
President Yoweri Museveni has called on ministers and high-ranking government officials to prioritize their health by undergoing regular medical checkups, especially before long international travels.
This appeal came on Tuesday 10th September 2024 during his tribute to the late Sarah Mateke, the former Minister of State for Defense, who passed away from heart complications at Mengo Hospital.
Mateke, who had been scheduled to attend a security conference in South Korea, was saved from what could have been a fatal flight—echoing the tragic death of Gen. Aronda Nyakairima in similar circumstances nearly a decade ago. Speaking at Parliament, where leaders gathered to mourn Mateke, Museveni revealed that Mateke was slated to board a flight to the same security conference that Aronda was returning from when he died in 2015.
Gen. Aronda, the former Internal Affairs Minister, was found unresponsive aboard a flight from South Korea to Dubai. An autopsy revealed that he had died of acute heart failure, exacerbated by fat deposits in his arteries.
Museveni reflected on how, had he been aware of Aronda’s medical condition, he would have stopped him from making the long trip, as he believes this could have saved his life. He urged government officials to be vigilant about their health, stating that when leaders die, they leave behind gaps that are difficult to fill.
“We must avoid unnecessary losses because every death weakens us. When one of our fighters goes, we are left with a big problem of how to replace them,” the President remarked. Mateke’s death highlights similar concerns, as she had gone for a medical checkup but her condition was discovered too late.
Museveni emphasized the need for all government cadres to regularly monitor their health, especially before taking on taxing duties like long flights. “It’s not just your family that will miss you when you’re gone; we all will.”
During the parliamentary tribute, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed that Mateke succumbed to heart complications and urged Ugandans to take seriously the government’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nabbanja cited the National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy of 2015, noting that conditions like heart disease, which claimed Mateke’s life, continue to pose a serious threat to the country’s leadership and workforce.
Parliamentarians and government officials alike honored Mateke for her service. Speaker Anita Among lauded Mateke’s contributions as a passionate advocate for children and youth, particularly during her tenure as State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Among also praised her for her legislative record and efforts in Kisoro District, where she was instrumental in lobbying for infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of Kanyamateke Bridge.
The President, who had earlier attended a memorial service for Gen. Aronda, described Mateke as a calm and disciplined figure who avoided the political clashes common in Kisoro’s often turbulent political landscape. “She never made enemies, and that’s why everyone has spoken so well of her,” Museveni said.
Other leaders, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, eulogized Mateke for her commitment to education, noting her role in founding Metropolitan University. The Vice President revealed that Mateke had secured scholarships for students across Uganda, including in Katakwi District, and urged the university to continue her legacy.
In a reflective note, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi commended Mateke’s integrity, highlighting that she was never implicated in any corruption scandals. He encouraged government officials to honor her legacy by avoiding corruption and using their platforms to fight against it, as it remains a significant impediment to Uganda’s progress.
Mateke’s burial is scheduled for September 12, following a church service. Meanwhile, Kisoro District Council is expected to hold a meeting to honor her memory.
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