The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has described the late former Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli, as a committed and passionate leader who served her community and the Buganda Kingdom with distinction.
Nakimuli passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre shortly after undergoing surgery to treat uterine fibroids. She was 40.
Speaking during a vigil held on Wednesday evening in Namungoona at the home of her grandfather, the late Fr. Ireneos Magimbi, Mayiga praised her dedication to development initiatives across the Ssese Islands.
“Nakimuli has truly been the shining light of Ssese. Anyone who visited her there could clearly see her commitment. She was deeply involved in the kingdom’s initiatives—supporting county football tournaments, championing efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the islands, and many other programs,” he said.
Mayiga described her as hardworking and principled.
“She was hardworking, passionate, and fully devoted to everything she did. Her loss will be deeply felt,” he added.
He extended condolences on behalf of the Buganda Kingdom to her father, Christopher Walusimbi, her daughter, members of the Orthodox Church, colleagues in the National Unity Platform, residents of the Ssese Islands, and the nation at large.
The Katikkiro was accompanied by Noah Kiyimba and Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, who joined him in offering support to the bereaved family.
Born on July 2, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kyamuswa Sub-county in Kalangala District, Nakimuli was a legislator, athlete, and community mobiliser.
She began her education at Bukasa Primary School and Hormisdallen Primary School before attending Our Lady of Good Counsel Gayaza and St. Augustine Secondary School Wakiso, where she served as head girl. She later joined Makerere University for higher education.
Nakimuli served in the 11th Parliament after winning the Kalangala Woman MP seat in 2021 and held the role of Head of Communication and Anti-Corruption within NUP.
Beyond politics, she was an accomplished volleyball player, having played since 1998 and captained the women’s team during the East Africa Parliamentary Games in Arusha. She was also affiliated with COBAP Volleyball Club.
Her community work included supporting widows in legal disputes, assisting vulnerable families, and advocating for inclusion of island districts such as Buvuma and Namayingo in government programmes like Emyooga.
She was also honoured with an ecclesiastical medal by Theodore II of Alexandria in recognition of her service to the Orthodox Church and humanity.
Burial is scheduled for today, Thursday, April 23, in Luweero District following a mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral Namungoona.