Speaker Anita Among has urged MPs to seek treatment in government health facilities to build public trust in the country’s healthcare system.
Among made the remarks during a special sitting held to pay tribute to the late Kalangala district woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, who recently died.
She said legislators should lead by example by using public hospitals, noting that this would help restore confidence among ordinary Ugandans.
“We have lost a friend and an active member of this House. Despite being in the opposition, she was a unifier,” Among said, referring to Nakimuli’s affiliation with the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Among added that MPs earn enough to take care of their health and should treat it with seriousness. She also revealed that her office had received a postmortem report detailing the circumstances surrounding Nakimuli’s death.
On condolences, Among announced that President Museveni had contributed Shs20 million towards the funeral arrangements.
Additional contributions included Shs10m from the Buganda parliamentary caucus, Shs10 million from Among herself, Shs10m from her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, and Shs1 million from government chief whip Hamson Obua.
While handing over the funds to Katikamu MP Hassan Kirumira, Among said the money should support the deceased’s daughter.
She pledged to pay the child’s school fees up to Senior Four, confirming that arrangements had already been made for her continued education at Kibuli Secondary School.
The prime minister, Robinah Nabbanja, described Nakimuli as a hardworking and humble leader who championed service delivery, including water transport, girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
She said Nakimuli’s advocacy for human rights and democracy earned her the nickname “Mama Kalangala”.
The motion to honour Nakimuli was unanimously supported by the House.
Those present included the Vice President, Jesca Alupo, works and Transport minister Katumba Wamala, and leader of the opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
Ssenyonyi said the government must use the moment to rebuild public confidence in the health sector.
He noted that Nakimuli stood for transparency and accountability, and had previously challenged the deployment of
UPDF personnel on Lake Victoria. He added that she had recently called for improved facilities as Uganda prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The minister for Information and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, criticised Ugandans who celebrate the deaths of others on social media.
He warned that such behaviour could prompt the government to introduce stricter regulations.
Speaking at the same sitting, Alupo asked the bereaved family to seek her support in raising the orphaned child, pledging mentorship and assistance.
Kampala Central MP Mohammed Nsereko urged colleagues to reflect on the fragility of life and to maintain unity despite political differences.
“We are all travellers in this world. Let us keep love, solidarity and friendship,” he said.
Nakimuli is remembered as an active legislator and a bridge-builder across Uganda’s political divide.
