The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has paid glowing tribute to the late former Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District, Helen Nakimuli, describing her as a compassionate, calm, and evidence-driven legislator whose legacy will continue to inspire Members of Parliament and the nation at large.
Speaking during a special plenary sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, Speaker Among said the August House gathered with heavy hearts to celebrate the life of a colleague whose impact far exceeded her time in office.
Nakimuli passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre, Kitante, Kampala, shortly after undergoing a surgical procedure to treat uterine fibroids.
She was 40.
“Everyone aspires to leave a legacy like that of Hon. Nakimuli. Her contribution makes many think she served in Parliament for far longer than just one term,” she said.
Speaker Among credited Nakimuli for her significant role in strengthening Parliament’s sports profile, noting that many of the trophies won by the Parliament of Uganda at the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games over the past five years were largely due to her dedication and talent.
She stated that Nakimuli was an active sportswoman, participating in volleyball, basketball, and netball under the Parliamentary Sports Club.
“Most of the success we have registered in inter-parliamentary sports competitions can be attributed to her efforts and commitment,” age said.
Beyond her contributions on the field, Speaker Among remembered Nakimuli as a leader defined by humility, composure, and substance. She noted that Nakimuli’s contributions to parliamentary debate were always grounded in evidence and delivered with calmness and clarity.
“She was not confrontational; she was such a calm lady. She was compassionate, down-to-earth, and always guided by facts in her submissions,” she said.
Among further emphasized that Nakimuli’s leadership style and personal character set a strong example for both current and future legislators, urging Members of Parliament to emulate her dedication to service and impactful leadership.
The Speaker extended condolences on behalf of Parliament to Nakimuli’s family, the people of Kalangala District, and all Ugandans, calling for unity and prayers during this period of mourning.
“The Parliament of Uganda stands with her family, her constituents, and the entire nation in this moment of grief. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
The Speaker further stated that the postmortem report had been released to the family, adding the house remains in close consultation with medical professionals following public scrutiny surrounding the exact cause of Nakimuli’s death.
The Speaker further announced that her school, Bukedea Comprehensive School, paid school fees for Nakimuli’s daughter, Melanire Namirimu Ssuubi, who is currently in Senior One up to Senior Four.
Other contributions included Shs 20 million from the President, Shs 10 million from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, Shs 10 million from herself, Shs 5 million from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and Shs 1 million from Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua.
Speaker Among also stated that Parliament will cover all burial expenses, with the cash contributions being directed to Nakimuli’s child.
Born on July 2, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kyamuswa sub-county in Kalangala District, Nakimuli was a prominent politician, legislator, and athlete.
She was the daughter of Christopher Walusimbi, a Greek Orthodox priest, and Maria Nalwanga Walusimbi, a former Kalangala District councillor.
She began her education at Bukasa Primary School before joining Hormisdallen Primary School in Bweyogerere. Nakimuli later attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Gayaza for her Ordinary Level and St. Augustine Secondary School in Wakiso for her Advanced Level, where she served as head girl. She went on to pursue higher education at Makerere University.
Nakimuli was a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and served in the 11th Parliament of Uganda as the Woman Representative for Kalangala District, having defeated Aidah Nabayiga in the 2021 elections. She also held the position of Head of Communication and Anti-Corruption within her party.
Beyond politics, Nakimuli was widely recognized for her contributions to sports, particularly volleyball. She had been a player since 1998 and captained the women’s volleyball team during the East Africa Parliamentary Games in Arusha, Tanzania. She was also affiliated with COBAP Volleyball Club.
In her community work, Nakimuli supported widows in securing legal assistance in property disputes, donated relief items such as food and soap to the elderly, and extended aid to families affected by house fires. She also advocated for the inclusion of island districts like Buvuma and Namayingo in government funding programs such as Emyooga.
Nakimuli was further honored with an ecclesiastical medal by His Divine Beatitude Theodore II of Alexandria in recognition of her service to the Orthodox Church, Uganda, and humanity.
Burial is scheduled to take place tomorrow Thursday, April 22, in Luweero following a mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Namungoona.
