Hellen Nakimuli, the opposition Member of Parliament for Kalangala District, has died following complications during surgery.
Nakimuli, 41, died on Sunday, April 19, after undergoing what colleagues described as a routine medical procedure at a hospital in the capital, Kampala.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders, who elected her, stated that she had been in stable condition prior to the operation.
Early accounts from party officials suggest the legislator walked into the hospital under her own power, with some saying she had even driven herself for the procedure, a detail that has deepened the sense of disbelief surrounding her sudden death.
“This is shocking and deeply painful,” said Robert Kyagulanyi, the NUP leader, in an initial reaction.
“We have lost a committed leader and a voice for her people.”
News of her death spread rapidly across social media and political circles, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the divide.
Lawmakers described her as dedicated and grounded, while supporters in Kalangala, a district of islands on Lake Victoria, mourned a leader many knew simply as “Mama Kalangala”.
Elected during Uganda’s tense 2021 general election, Nakimuli emerged as part of a new wave of opposition figures aligned with NUP.
Terrible, shocking news! Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, Woman MP, Kalangala District just passed on after an unsuccessful surgery! May God strengthen all of us in this very tough time. pic.twitter.com/9iKUuz6SR8
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) April 19, 2026
In parliament, she focused on issues affecting remote communities, including access to healthcare, education and transportation across the lake’s far-flung islands.
In her constituency, residents credit her with maintaining a strong grassroots presence, often engaging directly with vulnerable families and advocating for improved public services in underserved areas.
However, the circumstances of her death are likely to invite scrutiny from opposition supporters.
While officials have not yet released full medical details, the fact that the procedure was initially described as minor has raised questions about what may have gone wrong.
There has been no immediate statement from health authorities outlining the cause of death, and it remains unclear whether an official investigation will be launched.
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Her death leaves a vacancy in Kalangala’s parliamentary seat and comes as Uganda’s opposition continues to navigate a challenging political landscape.
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