Museveni urges leaders to prioritise health after sudden deaths of ministers

In a candid message shared on social media platform X on Tuesday, Museveni called on his "cadres" to take better care of themselves, not just for their own sake but for the nation as a whole. "When someone passes away, they leave a significant gap behind," he said after attending a parliamentary session paying tribute to Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, who tragically died from a heart attack on September 7.

"Please ensure you receive proper health checks, and if you need rest, take it," he urged. "May her soul rest in eternal peace."

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a heartfelt plea for leaders to prioritise their health Pulse Live Uganda

Nyirabashitsi, who represented Kisoro District, had been a key figure in Uganda’s government, serving in both the 9th and 11th Parliament. Her death sent shockwaves through the political establishment, with many noting the cruel twist of fate – she had been scheduled to travel to South Korea for a security conference, the same event that Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, another fallen minister, was attending when he passed away in 2015.

"The fighters should also look after their lives. It's not just for themselves; it's for all of us," Museveni said. "When you leave us, we are left with problems. How do we fill your gap? How do we cope with your loss?"

Museveni’s remarks came during the opening of the 'Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima Memorial Events,' a series of lectures and exhibitions honouring the legacy of the late Chief of Defence Forces, with the inaugural Kampala Defence and Security Expo running from September 10-12.

At the event, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, paid tribute to Gen Aronda, calling his life story "an example of courage, dedication, and commitment." He added, "Honouring their legacy will inspire current and future leaders in both military and civilian spheres."

Lawmakers at parliament during a session to pay tribute to Minister Mateke Pulse Live Uganda

Despite his limited personal interaction with Nyirabashitsi, Museveni fondly remembered her as a "calm and composed" individual who was "careful with her words." He revealed that they had worked closely when he formed an inter-ministerial committee to address the Uganda-Congo border issue. "She was very thoughtful in her approach. It’s a huge loss," he said.

Nyirabashitsi had been serving as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) before being reassigned to the defence ministry in April 2024. She is set to be laid to rest on Thursday, September 12, in her hometown of Nyakabingo, Kisoro.

Her passing has left a profound void in the political landscape, and her legacy, like that of Gen. Aronda, will be remembered as an example of service and dedication to the Ugandan people.