Sarah Mateke, Uganda’s State Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for Kisoro District, has died. Mateke passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after suffering a heart attack.
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District, Mateke was a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and known for her work in education and philanthropy. Her political career began when she was elected as the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament, a position she held from 2011 to 2016. She was re-elected to this position in 2021.
Following her re-election, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Mateke as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, with a specific focus on Children and Youth Affairs. In a recent cabinet reshuffle, she was promoted to the position of State Minister for Defence.
Mateke’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political establishment. She was the daughter of Dr. Philemon Mateke, a well-known figure in Ugandan politics.
Throughout her career, Mateke was recognized for her dedication to public service and her efforts to improve the lives of her constituents, particularly in the areas of education and youth development. Her work as a minister involved critical responsibilities in both social development and, most recently, national defense.
The loss of Minister Mateke is expected to have significant implications for both her home district of Kisoro and the national political landscape. As Uganda mourns her passing, tributes are likely to pour in from across the political spectrum, recognizing her contributions to the nation’s governance and development.
The Ugandan government has not yet released an official statement regarding funeral arrangements or the process for appointing a successor to her ministerial position.
