The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for a shift toward unity and respect in Uganda’s politics, as he paid tribute to the late former Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli.
Nakimuli passed away on April 19, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre in Kampala following surgery to treat uterine fibroids. She was 40.
Speaking during a requiem mass at St Nicholas Cathedral Namungoona, Tayebwa described Nakimuli as a principled and service-driven leader whose approach to politics prioritised purpose over confrontation.
“As we continue to mourn her passing, we should draw lessons from the leadership values she espoused. For her, leadership was less about disagreements, numbers, or political wins; it was about purpose, integrity, and service,” Tayebwa said.
He noted that Nakimuli consistently stood firm in representing her constituents while promoting dialogue and reform instead of conflict.
“Honourable Nakimuli stood firm for her people, spoke with conviction, and always sought solutions over conflict. Even in moments where many would choose confrontation, she chose dialogue, reform, and unity,” he added.
Tayebwa also paid tribute to Nakimuli’s family, particularly her father, Christopher Walusimbi, crediting her upbringing for shaping her values of humility, faith, and compassion.
“I thank her father, whose guidance and devotion to faith shaped a daughter of strong conviction, humility, and compassion. It is this foundation that made her a leader who did not judge others by their colour, tribe, or political affiliation,” he said.
He delivered a condolence contribution of Shs20 million from Yoweri Museveni to the bereaved family, a pledge earlier announced by Speaker Anita Annet Among during a special parliamentary sitting held in Nakimuli’s honour.
On behalf of the government, Tayebwa reaffirmed continued support for the Orthodox Church, pledging sustained collaboration and openness to spiritual guidance.
“We will always stand with the Church. We will continue to seek spiritual guidance, and our doors will always remain open,” he said.
He urged leaders across the political divide to honour Nakimuli’s legacy by embracing respectful and people-centred politics.
“The greatest honour we can give Hon. Nakimuli is to embrace a politics of respect, unity, and service to our people,” he said.
Born on July 2, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kyamuswa Sub-county in Kalangala District, Nakimuli was a politician, legislator, and athlete.
She was the daughter of Christopher Walusimbi, a Greek Orthodox priest, and Maria Nalwanga Walusimbi, a former Kalangala District councillor.
Nakimuli began her education at Bukasa Primary School before joining Hormisdallen Primary School in Bweyogerere.
She later attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Gayaza for her O-Level and St Augustine Secondary School in Wakiso for A-Level, where she served as head girl. She went on to pursue higher education at Makerere University.
She was a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and served in the 11th Parliament as Woman Representative for Kalangala District, having defeated Aidah Nabayiga in the 2021 elections.
She also served as Head of Communication and Anti-Corruption within her party.
Beyond politics, Nakimuli was widely recognised for her contributions to sports, particularly volleyball.
She had been a player since 1998 and captained the women’s team during the East Africa Parliamentary Games in Arusha, and was affiliated with COBAP Volleyball Club.
In her community work, she supported widows in property disputes, assisted elderly residents with essential supplies, and helped families affected by house fires.
She also advocated for the inclusion of island districts such as Buvuma District and Namayingo District in government funding programmes like Emyooga.
Nakimuli was further honoured with an ecclesiastical medal by Theodore II of Alexandria in recognition of her service to the Orthodox Church, Uganda, and humanity.
She is scheduled to be laid to rest later today in Luweero District.
