The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Nakawa West Member of Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has paid tribute to the late former Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District, Helen Nakimuli, describing her as a principled democrat and fearless advocate for the people of Kalangala and Uganda at large.
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.
Speaking during a special plenary sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, in which legislators convened to pay tribute to the late MP, Ssenyonyi called for meaningful action to honour Nakimuli’s legacy, urging that her memory should inspire stronger systems and accountability in public service.
“To represent a constituency like Kalangala requires deep commitment. Her re-election was a clear sign that she had earned the trust of her people,” he said, noting that Nakimuli served her constituents with quiet strength, ensuring that the voices of island communities were heard in Parliament despite geographical isolation and limited infrastructure..
Ssenyonyi further emphasized that tributes to the late legislator should go beyond words, calling for renewed commitment to integrity, service, and safeguarding the wellbeing of Ugandans in public systems.
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.