A sombre mood engulfed Parliament on Wednesday as legislators, parliamentary staff, family members and friends gathered to pay their final respects to former Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Helen Nakimuli, whose body lay in state at Parliament.
The cortege carrying Nakimuli’s remains arrived at the parliamentary south parking lot, where it was received by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among alongside Members of Parliament and officials from the Parliamentary Commission.
The arrival of the casket marked the beginning of an emotional tribute ceremony celebrating the life and legacy of a legislator remembered not only for her political service but also for her remarkable contribution to parliamentary sports.
Members of the parliamentary sports team paid glowing tributes to the late Nakimuli, describing her as a dedicated leader, mentor and unifying figure within the sports fraternity at Parliament.
Nakimuli, an accomplished athlete who played both netball and basketball, was best known for her leadership in volleyball. She captained Parliament’s volleyball team to back-to-back championship victories during the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games, achievements colleagues said elevated the profile of Uganda’s parliamentary sports teams across the region.
Speaker Anita Among praised Nakimuli for the lasting impact she made during her single term in Parliament, saying her dedication and service created a legacy many leaders strive to achieve over much longer careers.
“We all aspire to leave a legacy that Hon. Nakimuli has left,” Speaker Among said during the tribute. “Her legacy would make many think she has been an MP for a long time, yet she has only been here for one term.”
Colleagues described Nakimuli as humble, hardworking and passionate about both public service and teamwork, noting that she used sports as a platform to build unity among legislators beyond political affiliations.
As tributes continued, many legislators reflected on her commitment to serving the people of Kalangala and her active participation in parliamentary activities, both inside and outside the House.
The late Nakimuli will be remembered as a leader whose influence stretched beyond politics, touching lives through mentorship, sportsmanship and service to the nation.