The Minister of State for Defence, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi dies at 50

Nyirabashitsi, who also doubles as Kisoro NRM Woman MP, passed away on Saturday morning.

The Minister’s father, Philemon Mateke, said the family members were rushing her to Mulago hospital but died on arrival, she succumbed to a heart attack.

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was born on July 15, 1974. Nyirabashitsi previously served as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Minister in charge of Presidency, Milly Babalanda, described the news of the demise of Nyirabashitsi as “very sad” and “disturbing.”

Currently, the national organising committee will meet with the family and organise with the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs for a dignified send-off.

Early life and education

Nyirabashitsi was born in the Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District in the Kigezi region to Philemon Mateke and Joy Rwanfizi Mateka. She is the third born of six in the family.

Her father was a politician, a former State Minister for regional affairs and the mother was a professional teacher

Nyirabashitsi attended Seseme Integrate School then Maryhill High School for her secondary education. She joined Bugema University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

She also held a Master’s degree in Public Health from the same University and a Postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.

Career

Nyirabashitsi entered her family’s businesses including timber production and transportation.

She was the founder of Nyirabashitsi Foundation where she supports children to join boarding secondary schools from senior one to senior six.

She was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University, Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala.

Nyirabashitsi joined the public service as Assistant Town clerk of Kisoro town council. 

In 2021, she contested the role of woman member of parliament of Kisoro District and won against incumbent Rose Kabagyeni.