Parliament is in session this afternoon in a special sitting dedicated to honouring the late Kalangala District Woman MP, Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, whose body is lying in state at the precincts of Parliament.
The solemn session, which began earlier this morning with the arrival of the body between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, has drawn Members of Parliament, staff, and family into an atmosphere of grief and reflection. Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa formally received the casket, signed the condolence book, and offered comfort to the bereaved family.
As proceedings continue, lawmakers are paying tribute through emotional submissions, wreath-laying, and moments of silence. The mood inside the House remains somber, with visible grief among members. Reports from the session indicate emotional scenes, including moments where Deputy Speaker Tayebwa was overcome.
Speaker Anita Among described the late Nakimuli as “a compassionate and down-to-earth leader who debated with evidence and remained calm in her engagements,” noting that her passing is a profound loss to Parliament.
The Vice President Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo eulogised the late Nakimuli as an active and dedicated legislator whose contributions were evident in committee work, parliamentary debates, and service to her constituency. She pledged government support and urged Members of Parliament to continue advancing the work and development initiatives that Hon. Nakimuli had already begun in Kalangala District.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi called for accountability in the health sector, urging leaders to ensure that “no Ugandan loses life the way she did,” and emphasised the need to translate tributes into action.
Other Members, including Hon. Muhammad Nsereko and Hon. Medard Ssegona, praised her character, service, and commitment, while additional tributes highlighted her kindness, discipline, and legacy as a sportswoman.
The House remains fully engaged in the tribute session this afternoon, with no regular parliamentary business on the Order Paper. Proceedings are expected to continue as more legislators deliver their eulogies.
In a show of solidarity, a motion moved by State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, was adopted by the House, with all members of the 11th Parliament agreeing to contribute UGX 500,000 each towards supporting funeral arrangements and the bereaved family.
This remains a developing story as Parliament continues to honour the life and service of Hon. Hellen Nakimuli.
