Leader of Opposition and Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi has urged for transparency and accountability following the death of Kalangala District Woman MP Helen Nakimuli, saying the circumstances surrounding her passing raise broader concerns about Uganda’s health system and public trust in medical care.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 22 in Parliament during a solemn eulogy session, Ssenyonyi said the nation should treat the incident not only as a moment of mourning but also as an opportunity to confront deeper systemic questions.
“This is not just a moment of grief; it is a moment of profound concern, and we hope that all answers will be provided,” he said. “This is not about placing blame prematurely; it is about restoring public confidence."
He stressed that the priority should be clarity on what transpired, noting that unanswered questions risk deepening public anxiety and mistrust in health services.
“As we pursue these answers, we must also confront the broader realities of our health sector,” Ssenyonyi added. “For many Ugandans, access to safe and quality healthcare remains uncertain. Incidents such as these deepen public anxiety.”
The Opposition leader said the tragedy highlights longstanding inequalities in healthcare access, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions, where services are often limited or overstretched.
In his tribute, Ssenyonyi also reflected on Nakimuli’s representation of Kalangala District, describing it as one of the country’s most complex constituencies due to its geography and infrastructure challenges.
“Kalangala District, which the late Nakimuli Helen represented, is one of the most unique constituencies in our country, with an archipelago of over 80 islands spread across Lake Victoria, commonly known as the Ssese Islands,” he said.
He noted that serving such a constituency required resilience and dedication, given the logistical barriers that affect service delivery across the islands.
“Representing over 80 islands of Kalangala, Hon Helen Nakimuli navigated geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and the distinct socioeconomic challenges faced by island communities,” he said. “Hon. Nakimuli embraced this responsibility with strength and consistency.”
Nakimuli’s death has triggered tributes from across the political spectrum, with legislators also calling for improved healthcare systems, especially in rural and island constituencies where access remains a persistent challenge.