By Nasser Kayanja
Members of Parliament paid an emotional tribute to the late Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, with many visibly moved as they gathered for an official viewing of her body at Parliament. In a show of solidarity, legislators agreed to contribute UGX 500,000 each from their salaries to support the education of her daughter.
Hon. Nakimuli passed away over the weekend following complications from surgery at a medical facility along Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala. Her death has drawn tributes from across the political divide, with colleagues remembering her dedication to public service.
The proposal for financial support was tabled by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robina Nabanja, while delivering her condolence message. She called on MPs to stand together and ensure the late legislator’s child continues her education without disruption. The motion was adopted with unanimous support.
Leader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, praised Nakimuli’s firm stance against corruption and her commitment as Shadow Minister for ICT. He also highlighted her advocacy for marginalized fishing communities, describing her as a principled and hardworking leader.
Several MPs shared heartfelt memories, reflecting both on her professional contributions and personal character. However, concerns were also raised during the sitting. State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, urged Parliament to ensure the safety of ruling party MPs during burial ceremonies amid rising tensions.
In a related development, ICT Minister Hon. Chris Baryomunsi criticized what he termed as a worrying trend of people celebrating the deaths of public figures online. He cautioned that government may be compelled to introduce tighter regulations on social media if such behavior persists.