The Uganda Orthodox Church and the nation at large gathered at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kampala for a requiem service for Honourable Helen Nakimuli, following her untimely demise on the evening of 19 April 2026 under tragic circumstances, aged 40.
Hon. Nakimuli was a staunch Orthodox Christian and prominent legislator representing as a Woman Member of Parliament of Kalangala’s 84 islands in Lake Victoria and had recently secured re-election in the January 2026 general elections, awaiting her swearing-in for a second term in office.
The funeral service was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi of Kampala, alongside Metropolitan Innocentios Byakatonda of Sozusa (caretaker of Mbarara), Bishop Nectarios Kabuye of Gulu, Bishop Constantine Mbonabingi of Juba, along with several priests from the Kampala Diocese.
Her repose marks a particularly profound loss for the Orthodox Christian community in Uganda, where she was known for her unwavering faith and active participation in Church life, remaining deeply committed to ecclesiastical service despite the demands of national leadership.
“She never separated her public office from her faith,” a Church official remarked. “Hon. Helen served both the nation and the Church with rare dedication and humility.”
Mourners from near and far gathered to pay their respects to the late Hon. Nakimuli. Parliamentarians were present, led by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who served as the chief mourner. Dignitaries from the Buganda Government, religious leaders, and people from all walks of life attended the service.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Jeronymos of Kampala said, “When you go through all her life, you can confirm that Hon. Helen Nakimuli discovered that Christ is the purpose of life, she loved her Orthodox faith, which is rooted in the Holy Scriptures and Holy Tradition.”
“She knew very well of the resurrection of the dead and eternal life. She was too jolly, as everyone can testify, because she had Christ within her heart. She was politically tremendous, that is why her people of Kalangala re-elected her for the second term.” The Metropolitan added.
Hon. Nakimuli’s contributions strengthened Orthodox Church’s presence in Uganda
The contribution of the reposed legislator to strengthening the Church’s presence and unity in the country remains widely acknowledged.
In October 2021, she was honoured with an ecclesial medal alongside Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo in recognition of her outstanding service to the Orthodox Church and humanity by His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa during his pastoral visit to Uganda for the Forty-Day memorial service of late Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga of Kampala.
Beyond her religious commitment, Hon. Nakimuli was widely respected for her outspoken stance on justice and human rights. In one of her final public appearances on 13 April 2026, during celebrations marking the birthday of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, she boldly criticized the treatment of political prisoners.
“It is unacceptable that those accused of grave crimes receive fair hearings, while others are detained without trial,” she stated. “Religious leaders must not remain silent or trade their moral authority for material gain.”
Hon. Nakimuli was born on 2 July 1985 to Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi and Maria Nalwanga in Kalangala District, growing up in a life marked by service, discipline, and excellence. Outside politics, she was an accomplished athlete, captaining the Parliament Volleyball Team in regional competitions.
May her memory be eternal.
