KAMPALA||UGANDA|April 20, 2026
A cloud of grief has engulfed Uganda following the death of Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament, Helen Nakimuli, whose final public words have now taken on a haunting significance.
Nakimuli, a vocal legislator under the National Unity Platform (NUP), passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after an unsuccessful surgical procedure in Kampala, her party confirmed. She reportedly did not regain consciousness following the operation despite efforts by doctors to resuscitate her.
She was 41.
Final Words That Stir a Nation
Days before her death, on April 13, Nakimuli delivered what would become her final message-one now widely shared across the country:
“We shouldn’t allow our country to go down the wrong path… Let us speak truth to power, for our reward is in heaven.”
In her statement, she criticized a growing culture of silence, particularly among leaders and institutions expected to defend justice. She expressed concern that fear was preventing many-including religious leaders-from speaking out against human rights violations.
Her words have since been interpreted as both a warning and a moral call to action, reflecting her long-standing commitment to accountability, truth, and democratic values.
According to NUP officials, Nakimuli had been undergoing a surgical procedure at a Kampala medical facility when complications arose. Despite the surgery being completed, she failed to recover consciousness, leading to her death later that afternoon.
Her body was later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
While details of the surgery remain limited, her passing has shocked both political colleagues and the wider public, given her active role in Parliament just days before.
A Rising Political Voice Silenced
Born on July 2, 1985, in Kalangala District, Nakimuli rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most outspoken young leaders in Uganda’s opposition politics.
She was first elected to Parliament in 2021 and re-elected in the 2026 general elections, serving as the district’s Woman MP under the NUP ticket.
Beyond politics, she was also known as a sportswoman and former volleyball player, as well as a community advocate who supported widows, the elderly, and vulnerable groups in island districts.
Within her party, she held key roles including responsibilities in communication and anti-corruption, making her a central figure in shaping opposition messaging.
Leaders across the political divide have expressed shock and sorrow at her passing. NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu described her death as a major loss to both the party and the country, while other officials praised her courage, faith, and dedication to public service.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga also paid tribute, describing her as a “dedicated and exceptional leader” whose impact will be remembered.
Nakimuli’s death comes at a time of heightened political tension in Uganda, where debates around governance, human rights, and democratic freedoms remain deeply contested.
As the nation mourns, many see her words not just as a farewell, but as a challenge to continue the fight for justice and accountability in her absence.
Her final message-urging Ugandans to reject silence and stand for truth-now echoes as a defining part of her legacy.
