Kigezi leaders ask Museveni to ring-fence Mateke's position

Kisoro district leaders have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to assign a ministerial position back to the district following the death of the State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, who also served as Kisoro Woman MP.

Mateke passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning at her home after suffering a heart attack.

Hundreds of mourners continue to gather at the home of former Minister for Regional Cooperation, Philemon Mateke, father to the late state minister.

District leaders, including Abel Bizimana, Chairman LC5, and Amos Hakizimana, Kisoro District Speaker, have called on President Museveni to consider appointing a new minister from Kisoro.

They emphasize that Mateke’s death has created a significant gap in both parliamentary and cabinet representation for the district.

“We appeal to the president to assign a ministerial position to Kisoro, ensuring continued representation," the leaders urged, highlighting the importance of maintaining a voice for Kisoro in the national government.

Roland Ndyomugyenyi, MP for Rukiga County, echoed the sentiment, stating that Minister Mateke will be deeply missed by the people of the Kigezi sub-region.

"Her contributions to representing our region at the national level were invaluable. Her passing is a big loss for Kigezi," Ndyomugyenyi said.

Born on July 15, 1974, Sarah Mateke was known for her dedication to politics and philanthropy.

She served as the Kisoro District Woman MP from 2011 to 2016 and was re-elected in 2021 before being appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labor, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs. In the recent cabinet reshuffle, she was appointed as the State Minister for Defence.