Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, a trailblazing Ugandan politician affectionately known as the “Mother of Parliament,” has died at the age of 96.
Her family confirmed that she passed away on Sunday morning at Nairobi Hospital.
Born on May 10, 1929, Kalema was a pioneering figure in Uganda’s post-independence politics and a lifelong advocate for women’s participation in governance and public service.
Her political career began in 1961 when she joined the Uganda People’s Congress, having been recruited by senior political leaders Grace Ibingira and Adoko Nyekon.
Kalema withdrew from active politics in 1972 following the abduction and murder of her husband, William Kalema a former minister and teacher at King’s College Budo by agents of then-president Idi Amin.
She re-emerged on the political scene in 1979 after Amin’s ouster, when she became one of only two women appointed to the National Consultative Council (NCC), the interim legislature established by the National Liberation Front under Edward Rugumayo.
In 1980, Kalema co-founded the Uganda Patriotic Movement, which later evolved into the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Despite facing political persecution and imprisonment three times, Kalema’s commitment to democracy and justice never wavered.
Between 1989 and 1991, she served as Deputy Minister for Public Service under President Yoweri Museveni.
In 1994, she made history once more by defeating eight male candidates to represent Kiboga District in the Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting Uganda’s current Constitution.
Throughout her life, Kalema earned numerous accolades for her leadership and integrity. In 1996, the Forum for Women in Democracy honored her as a “transformative leader.”
More recently, in 2023, she received the Sudreau Global Justice Lifetime Achievement Award from Pepperdine University School of Law and the Uganda Judiciary.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa was among many national leaders who paid tribute to Kalema, praising her enduring legacy.
“She was a woman of unique character and valour down-to-earth and amiable,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
“She fondly carried the title of ‘Mother of Parliament’ because of her immense contribution to Uganda’s politics and the cause of women’s emancipation.”
Kalema continued to mentor generations of women leaders and remained a respected voice in national discourse until her final years.
“I had the honour of being hosted by Hon. Rhoda in 2023, together with Miria Matembe, at her home in Kibuli,” Tayebwa added.
“We tapped into her vast knowledge on topics ranging from politics and governance to education and life.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days.
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