Speaker Anita Among Issues Tough Warning To NUP MPs On Deceased MP Hellen Nakimuli’s Burial

KAMPALA, Uganda — Speaker of Parliament Anita Among on Wednesday issued a sharp warning to legislators against fueling speculation, trading accusations, or delivering inflammatory remarks, as Parliament convened for an emotional tribute session in honor of the late Kalangala Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli.

Addressing a packed chamber during her official communication from the Chair, Among struck a solemn yet firm tone, urging Members of Parliament to “turn to God and pray hard” while reflecting on what she described as a troubling pattern: Nakimuli is the seventh legislator to die during the life of the 12th Parliament (2021–2026).

The Speaker’s remarks set the stage for a highly anticipated sitting, drawing a line between tribute and controversy at a time when public discourse surrounding Nakimuli’s death has grown increasingly charged.

Among described Nakimuli as a vibrant and energetic leader, known for her rare willingness to bridge Uganda’s deeply divided political lines. Despite belonging to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Nakimuli, she said, consistently reached across the aisle to engage with colleagues from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in pursuit of common ground.

“She had a lot of Ubuntu in her,” Among told the House, emphasizing that Nakimuli never discriminated against fellow MPs based on party affiliation. “She related with everyone, regardless of whether they were NRM or from any other political formation.”

In a deeply personal reflection, the Speaker recounted a recent moment that, in her view, captured Nakimuli’s character. She told MPs that the late legislator had traveled to Buyende and spent the night with her following the death of Among’s mother-in-law — a gesture she said underscored Nakimuli’s compassion and broad-mindedness.

As the chamber listened in silence, Among revealed that Nakimuli is survived by one child, a daughter identified as Meraline, who is currently an S1 student at Kibuli Secondary School. The Speaker pledged continued solidarity and institutional support for the bereaved family, noting that she had just concluded a meeting with Nakimuli’s parents, who were present for the tribute session.

In a significant disclosure, Among also informed MPs that a postmortem report had been formally handed over to Parliament by a team of doctors from the hospital where Nakimuli died on Sunday. She said the report was presented during an “intense meeting” held within parliamentary buildings, attended by several key figures, including Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.

However, it was her warning against speculation that delivered the most forceful message of the afternoon.

With social media awash with conspiracy theories and unverified claims surrounding Nakimuli’s death, Among cautioned MPs against amplifying such narratives within the House. She urged them to rise to the occasion and conduct themselves with restraint and maturity.

“Behave like the grown-up adults that you are,” she said pointedly, cautioning against making unfounded allegations or pointing fingers during the tribute session.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny and heightened political tension, as Ugandans seek answers while grappling with grief. By drawing a firm boundary against speculation, Among signaled an effort to keep parliamentary proceedings focused on honoring Nakimuli’s life — rather than deepening divisions over her death.

The tribute session proceeded under tight guidance from the Chair, with MPs expected to balance emotion with discipline as the nation watches closely.