The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has described the death of former Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament Helen Nakimuli as deeply shocking and painful.
Mayiga said he had recently been with Nakimuli during prayers for Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on the occasion of his 71st birthday held at St Nicholas Cathedral on April 13, 2026.
Nakimuli, who was born in July 1985, passed away on Sunday afternoon following an unsuccessful surgery for an undisclosed condition at Alexandros Medical Centre in Kampala.
“Helen Nakimuli was highly committed to the affairs of the Buganda Kingdom and was an exceptionally dedicated representative in fulfilling her duties as a Member of Parliament,” Mayiga wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Katikkiro extended his condolences to Nakimuli’s family, the people of Ssese Islands, members of the Orthodox faith, and her political party, National Unity Platform.
He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking that God grant her eternal rest.
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 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 served in the 11th Parliament as Woman Representative for Kalangala District after defeating Aidah Nabayiga in the 2021 elections.
Within NUP, she held the position of Head of Communication and Anti-Corruption.
Beyond politics, she was widely recognised for her contributions to sports, particularly volleyball.
She had been an active 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 to the elderly, and assisted families affected by house fires.
She also advocated for the inclusion of island districts such as Buvuma and Namayingo in government programmes including Emyooga.
She was honoured with an ecclesiastical medal by Theodore II of Alexandria in recognition of her service to the Orthodox Church, Uganda, and humanity.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.