Africa-Press – Uganda. Outspoken political analyst and Chairperson of the Council for Abavandimwe, Frank Gashumba, has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of former Kalangala District Woman MP, Helen Nakimuli, suggesting inadequate pre-operative medical assessments.
Nakimuli passed away on Sunday afternoon following an unsuccessful surgery at Alexandros Medical Centre.
She was 40.
Speaking on Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Tuesday, Gashumba questioned why Nakimuli sought treatment at what he described as a “lower-level” medical facility, despite having the privilege, as a Member of Parliament, to access specialized care abroad.
“Helen had full medical cover as an MP. Why go to a lower-level facility? People may criticize Mulago, but it is one of the hospitals with some of the best doctors. I suspect proper health checks weren’t done before treatment,” he said.
“Helen’s death has drawn attention because she was an MP. If she had been an ordinary citizen, she likely would have been buried without much public scrutiny. I experienced a similar loss myself just like Helen, my former partner drove herself to the hospital and later died under comparable circumstances.”
Gashumba further shared his experiences with different hospitals, highlighting concerns about inaccurate test results. He urged the public to always seek second or even third opinions from credible medical facilities before consenting to any surgical procedure.
Born on July 2, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kyamuswa sub-county in Kalangala District, Nakimuli was a prominent politician, legislator, and athlete.
She was the daughter of Christopher Walusimbi, a Greek Orthodox priest, and Maria Nalwanga Walusimbi, a former Kalangala District councillor.
She began her education at Bukasa Primary School before joining Hormisdallen Primary School in Bweyogerere. Nakimuli later attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Gayaza for her Ordinary Level and St. Augustine Secondary School in Wakiso for her Advanced Level, where she served as head girl. She went on to pursue higher education at Makerere University.
Nakimuli was a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and served in the 11th Parliament of Uganda as the Woman Representative for Kalangala District, having defeated Aidah Nabayiga in the 2021 elections. She also held the position of Head of Communication and Anti-Corruption within her party.
Beyond politics, Nakimuli was widely recognized for her contributions to sports, particularly volleyball. She had been a player since 1998 and captained the women’s volleyball team during the East Africa Parliamentary Games in Arusha, Tanzania. She was also affiliated with COBAP Volleyball Club.
In her community work, Nakimuli supported widows in securing legal assistance in property disputes, donated relief items such as food and soap to the elderly, and extended aid to families affected by house fires. She also advocated for the inclusion of island districts like Buvuma and Namayingo in government funding programs such as Emyooga.
Nakimuli was further honored with an ecclesiastical medal by His Divine Beatitude Theodore II of Alexandria in recognition of her service to the Orthodox Church, Uganda, and humanity.
A local government sitting took place today in Kalangala, where mourners described the deceased legislator as a hardworking leader who deeply cared for her constituents.
The body will later be transported back to Kampala for an overnight vigil at the family home.
Parliament will hold a formal tribute and vigil tomorrow Wednesday, April 22, during which the late legislator will lie in state at Parliament.
Thereafter, there’ll be a second tribute at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Makerere, Kavule.
Burial will take place on Thursday, April 22, in Luwero following a mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Namungoona.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
