Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi Explained

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi (15 July 1974 – 7 September 2024) was a Ugandan politician and educationist who was the woman representative for Kisoro District, and Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development appointed in 2021 by President Yoweri Museveni in the Ugandan 11th Parliament.

Early life and education

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi was born on 15 July 1974 in the Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District in the Kigezi region, to Philemon Mateke and Joy Rwanfizi Mateka.^[1] She was the third born of six in the family. Her father was a politician, a former State Minister for regional affairs and her mother was a professional teacher.^[2]

Nyirabashitsi attended Seseme Integrate School then Maryhill High School for her secondary education. She joined Bugema University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She also held a Master's degree in Public Health from the same University and a Postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.^[3]

Career

Nyirabashitsi entered her family's businesses including timber production and transportation. She was the founder of Nyirabashitsi Foundation where she supported children to join boarding secondary schools from senior one to senior six.^[4] She was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan International University, Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, Kampala.^[5]

Nyirabashitsi joined the public service as Assistant Town clerk of Kisoro town council. In 2021, she contested the role of woman member of parliament of Kisoro District and won against incumbent Rose Kabagyeni. Nyirabashitsi was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) replacing Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. She was affiliated with the National Resistance Movement.^[6]

Death

Nyirabashitsi died from a heart attack in Kampala, on 7 September 2024, at the age of 50.^[7]

External links

• CABINET MEMBERS AND MINISTERS OF STATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

Notes and References

1. Web site: 1 October 2022 . Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi: Biography, Age, Family and Husband . 29 May 2023 . Flash Uganda Media . en-GB.
2. Web site: Stephen . Muneza Kagabo . 9 June 2021 . Hon. Sarah Mateke's works in education and public health made her a perfect fit for 'Youth Minister' . 23 October 2023 . the Local.
3. Web site: 14 December 2021 . Women Praise Minister Sarah Mateke for empowering them . 10 March 2022 . Voice of Muhabura . en-US.
4. Web site: Tugume . Godfrey . 18 December 2021 . Minister Nyirabashitsi Tips Kisoro Women on Self Reliance . 10 March 2022 . ChimpReports . en-US.
5. Web site: Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs . 10 March 2022 . Ministry of Gender Labour & Social Development . en-US.
6. Web site: Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke has visited Kira Municipality to assess the performance of Covid-19 relief fund . 10 March 2022 . Kira Municipal Council.
7. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-minister-for-defence-sarah-mateke-is-dead-4752808 State Minister for defence, Sarah Mateke is dead