Hellen Nakimuli, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala district, has died at the age of 40 following complications from an elective surgical procedure.
Nakimuli passed away on April 19th, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre along Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala.
Preliminary reports from the party officials indicate that Nakimuli reportedly drove herself to the facility for what she described as a non-major operation.
Her body was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination. Details of the exact surgery and underlying condition have not been publicly disclosed.
Born on July 22nd, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kyamuswa sub-county, Kalangala District, Nakimuli was the daughter of Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi, a Greek Orthodox priest, and Maria Nalwanga Walusimbi, a former district councilor.
She attended Bukasa Primary School, Hormisdallen Primary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and St. Augustine Secondary School before joining Makerere University.
A passionate volleyball player since 1998, she was affectionately known as “Mama Kalangala” for her support of women’s groups, youth, and island communities through her foundation. She entered Parliament in 2021 after defeating Aidah Nabayiga on the NUP ticket and was re-elected in the January 2026 general elections.
She served as the party’s shadow minister for information and national guidance and was actively involved in anti-corruption efforts and advocacy for hard-to-reach island districts in health, education, and social protection.
Her last appearance in Parliament was on April 15, 2026, where she contributed to debates on Uganda’s readiness to host AFCON 2027.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) described the news as “terrible, shocking” and a major loss to the party and the country. NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya called it a great loss to Uganda.
Speaker Annet Anita Among expressed deep sorrow, noting words could not convey the shock felt in the House. The Greek Orthodox Church and colleagues across the political divide paid tribute to her dedication, humility, and “beautiful heart.”
Burial arrangements will be announced later. Nakimuli’s untimely death has sent shockwaves across Uganda just ahead of the new parliamentary term. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
