The body of former Kalangala District Woman MP Helen Nakimuli has been received at the Parliament of Uganda, where it is lying in state ahead of burial arrangements.
A cortege carrying Nakimuli’s remains arrived at Parliament’s South Parking Lot, where Members of Parliament, led by Speaker Anita Annet Among, received the casket.
The body was later transferred to the Central Lobby and into the Chamber, with legislators rising in respect as proceedings got underway.
Parliament convened a special sitting to honour Nakimuli, with the Speaker delivering a communication from the Chair as part of the Order Paper.
In her remarks, Among described Nakimuli as a leader whose impact exceeded her time in office, noting that her legacy gave the impression of a much longer parliamentary tenure.
Among also credited Nakimuli’s contribution to Parliament’s performance in the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games, highlighting her active participation in volleyball, basketball, and netball.
She said many of the trophies won over the past five years were linked to Nakimuli’s efforts.
“She was not confrontational; she was such a calm lady,” Among said, describing the late MP as compassionate, down-to-earth, and grounded in evidence during parliamentary debates.
During the sitting, MPs proceeded to lay wreaths on the casket in line with the Order Paper.
The Speaker also announced financial contributions towards the bereaved family, including Shs20 million from the President, Shs10 million from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, Shs10 million from herself, Shs5 million from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and Shs1 million from Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua.
She added that Parliament would meet all burial expenses, with the monetary contributions directed to Nakimuli’s child.
Additionally, Among announced that she had cleared school fees for the child up to Senior Four through Bukedea Comprehensive School, and conveyed a message from Kibuli Secondary School regarding the child’s education.
The special sitting continues as Parliament pays tribute to Nakimuli’s life and service.
