The burial program for Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, founder Nyirabashitsi Foundation and chairperson Board of Trustees for Metropolitan International University is out. Mateke, who was also the Minister of State for Defence, died on Saturday and will be laid to rest this Thursday in Kisoro District.
The program, which was released by the Parliament of Uganda, shows a series of events that will precede her burial. According to the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, the program was drafted in liaison with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mateke’s family, the national organizing committee, and other concerned stakeholders.
Burial Program Schedule:
- Monday, September 9: The body of the late Sarah Mateke will arrive at her home in Nsangi, Wakiso District, and the church service will follow.
- Tuesday, September 10: There will be a church service at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala. This will be followed by a special sitting at Parliament to honor her contribution to the country.
- Wednesday, September 11: The body proceeds for Nyakabingo in Kisoro District for a council session, church service, and vigil overnight.
- Thursday, September 12: Burial of the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi in Kisoro District.
Life and Career of Sarah Mateke:
Born on July 15, 1974, in Chahi subcounty, Kisoro District, Dr. Businge had been instrumental in public service and education. She attended school at Seseme Integrated School and Maryhill High School, then enrolled at Bugema University for a Bachelor of Business Administration. She further did a Master’s in Public Health from Bugema University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University.
Besides public service, Mateke was a very active businesswoman who did much philanthropic work: she successfully ran the family businesses in timber production and transport; she founded the Nyirabashitsi Foundation, which promotes the education of the most unfortunate children, ensuring their access to quality education.
Sarah Mateke was appointed as the Minister of State for Defence in March 2024, replacing her role as State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. In 2021, she was elected as the District Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro, beating the then incumbent Rose Kabagyeni.
She had also been an influential figure in the education sector, serving as chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan International University and Makerere Metropolitan Management Institute, where she played an instrumental role in developing higher education in Uganda.
Her death is a great loss to the academic, political, and philanthropic sectors, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to empowering youth through education.
