Ugandan MPs Demand Probe into MP Hellen Nakimuli's Sudden Death After Failed Surgery

Ugandan parliamentarians gathered for a special sitting on Wednesday to pay tribute to Hellen Nakimuli, the Kalangala District MP who passed away on Sunday after a surgery at Alexandra Medical Center went wrong.

Lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death. Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo questioned the lack of standard admission and pre-operation checks, urging scrutiny of the doctors’ qualifications and overall procedures.

Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi highlighted the shock of Nakimuli driving herself to the facility and speaking with him shortly before her death. He called for answers to restore public trust and pointed to broader issues in Uganda’s health sector, including patient safety and regulation.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among assured MPs that ongoing meetings, involving the Leader of Opposition, are pressing for explanations from the medical center, which had urged calm just a day earlier.

The session was marked by unity across party lines, with Nakimuli’s body brought to Parliament for tributes. Eulogies praised her as ‘Mama Kalangala,’ a dedicated leader, passionate sportswoman captaining the parliamentary volleyball team, and advocate for her island constituency’s unique challenges.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Vice President Jessica Alupo, and others lauded her impactful work in politics, sports, community development, and gender issues, noting her calm demeanor and evidence-based debates.

Among encouraged MPs to emulate Nakimuli’s legacy of service despite her short tenure.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)