”She Drove Her Self To Hospital, She Was Organizing A High Level Party Meeting”-NUP Bosses React On Nakimuli’s Death

By Swift Reporter

The political and public spheres have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Helen Nakimuli, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District.

Nakimuli passed away after undergoing what has been described as an unsuccessful surgical procedure. Her party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), confirmed the development, although details surrounding the operation and the exact circumstances of her death remained limited by press time.

In a statement, NUP president Bobi Wine described her passing as “terrible and shocking news,” underscoring the abrupt and unexpected nature of the loss.

“Helen Nakimuli was a devoted leader whose service to her people was marked by courage, humility, and unwavering commitment,” Kyagulanyi said. “Her passing is not only a loss to NUP but to Uganda as a whole.”

Additional accounts from party leaders painted an even more heartbreaking picture of her final hours. Joel Ssenyonyi revealed that he had spoken to Nakimuli earlier the same morning at around 9am as she coordinated a planned meeting of opposition MPs in her role as Shadow Minister for Information. According to Ssenyonyi, she was personally driving herself to hospital for what she believed to be a minor procedure.

“Unfortunately, she has not made it out of theatre,” he said, expressing deep shock at the sudden turn of events.

Meanwhile, John Baptist Nambeshe mourned Nakimuli as a dedicated leader whose voice strongly advocated for justice, accountability, and good governance. He described her death as a profound loss to both Parliament and the country.

Nakimuli, 41, had been re-elected during the January 15 general elections to serve a second term representing Kalangala District. She was widely recognized for championing issues affecting hard-to-reach island communities, particularly in healthcare, education, and empowerment opportunities for women and youth.

Colleagues within NUP remembered her as an accessible and committed mobiliser who consistently amplified the concerns of marginalized populations.

Her sudden death leaves a significant gap in Parliament and within the opposition, where she had emerged as a key figure in grassroots engagement and policy advocacy.

Kyagulanyi extended condolences to Nakimuli’s family, friends, and constituents, calling for strength and unity as the nation comes to terms with the loss.