Kisoro District leaders have ringfenced the seat of Kisoro District Woman Representative (DWR) to the family of Dr Philemon Mateke.

The District councilor representing Muramba sub county, Martin Hakizimana moved a motion requesting that council be conducted in English, Rufumbira and Rukiga for all the people in gallery to follow the proceedings. The motion was enormously seconded.

Speaker after speaker narrated several contributions to the development of Kisoro, praising late Sarah Mateke’s indelible mark in unifying Kisoro district leadership.

Amos Hakizimana, the Kisoro district speaker said, “the late Hon Nyirabashitsi Mateke has done commendable work to the development of Kisoro and this challenges us as leaders to fall into her steps.”

The Kisoro LC5 Vice Chairperson Alex Ndayambaje listed a number of projects the deceased had lobbied for Kisoro, including funds for a theater and isolation ward at Kisoro hospital and Busanza HCIV, funds for upgrading Buhozi health center III, distribution of hass avocado seedlings, ambulances for Busanza HC IV and Chahafi HC IV and others.

“The deceased was a child advocate and educationist who sponsored many, with a focus on the fight against domestic violence.”

Kisoro LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana proposed that Shaza grounds, whose construction is yet to kick-off, be named after the late Nyirabashitsi.

Several councilors including John Mfitumukiza of Nyarusiza, Diana Nakato of Nyakinama, Beshubeho Louis of Kirundo and others seconded the proposal.

Bufumbira North legislator, John Kamara Nizeyimana, who arrived late for the function, gave his speech, warning against politics of hatred.

“When a person from Kisoro is appointed to any ministerial position or government property, let everyone embrace the appointment but not fight it. We may not get another minister of state soon.” Kamala said.

Ruth Nyiraneza, is a younger sister of Hon Nyirabashitsi. Her political path is being supported by other area MPs who include Dr James Nsaba Buturo for Bufumbira East, Eddie Kwizera WaGahungu for Bukimbiri County and Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda for Bufumbira South .

The legislators revealed  that despite their differences, the deceased always found a way of uniting them to join forces to lobby projects for Kisoro district. Hon Kwizera said ”we ask the family of Mateke to give us a replacement who will fit in her daughter’s shoes.”

The special council sitting was proceeded by a church service in which numerous speeches praised the fallen minister for being down-to-earth, practical and realistic. She will be laid to rest on Thursday 12th September 2024.

Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, born 15 July 1974 died on Saturday 7 September 2024 at Nsambya Hospital. The family said she died of a heart attack.(muhavura news)