Kampala: Parliament has mourned the passing of Hon. Rhoda Nsibirwa Kalema, a trailblazer in Uganda's political history and a champion of women's rights, who passed away on 3 August 2025. She was 96.
According to African Press Organization, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, while opening the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, described Kalema as a remarkable leader whose legacy will live after her demise. Hon. Christine Kaaya (NUP, Kiboga District) stated that the people of Kiboga had lost a mother, mentor, and strategist, highlighting Kalema's role as a guiding force in the community. Kaaya recounted how Kalema, as a woman activist, offered guidance and support throughout her political journey.
Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola South), representing the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), praised Kalema as a commendable figure who served with distinction as a public servant, politician, and cultural leader in Buganda. Namugga urged Parliament to use the tribute sessions as an opportunity to address human rights issues, including the pending bill on labor externalization, emphasizing the need for legislation to protect migrant workers and vulnerable citizens.
State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, announced that the government would release the official burial program on Wednesday. Speaker Among also instructed the government to ensure that local leaders from Kiboga district are involved in all funeral arrangements, acknowledging Kalema's significant impact on her local community.
Born in 1929, Kalema was the daughter of former Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa. She pursued social work studies in the United Kingdom before returning to Uganda, where she emerged as a prominent figure in 1979 as a member of the NCC, playing a crucial role in shaping Uganda's democratic journey during challenging times.