UGANDA’S Minister of Defence, Sarah Mateke, has tragically passed away following a short illness, according to a statement from the government. Mateke, who was also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro district, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Kampala on Saturday morning, where she had been rushed for emergency treatment.
The news was announced by Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, who expressed deep sorrow over Mateke’s death. ‘I am sad to announce the death of the state minister of defence and Kisoro Woman MP. May the good Lord comfort the family and rest her soul,’ Baryomunsi said, according to local media reports.
Mateke was appointed to the defence ministry in April during a cabinet reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni, having previously served in the Ministry of Gender.
Shock and condolences
Vice President Jessica Alupo shared her shock and sadness upon learning of Mateke’s passing. In a heartfelt message on social media platform X, Alupo expressed condolences to Mateke’s family, the president, and the people of Uganda.
‘With profound shock and deep sorrow, I have learned of the untimely death of Sarah Mateke. I express my deepest condolences to her family, the people of Kisoro, and all Ugandans.’
The Defence Ministry’s spokesperson also revealed that Mateke had been scheduled to travel to South Korea on Saturday afternoon, further deepening the suddenness of her passing.
Tributes from diplomats
Tributes have poured in from across Uganda and beyond. European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, expressed his sadness over the minister’s passing, acknowledging her contributions to Uganda’s political landscape and the EU-Uganda partnership.
‘She was a dedicated and strong leader in all her political fields and a generous supporter of the EU-Uganda partnership,’ Sadek said in a post on X.
Mateke’s death has sent shockwaves across the nation, as leaders and citizens alike mourn the loss of a committed public servant and political leader.
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