By Spy Uganda
Parliament warned Ugandans against celebrating the deaths of prominent figures on social media, with the ICT Minister threatening stricter regulations if the practice persists.
During a special parliamentary sitting on April 22, 2026, to honor former Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli, who died on April 19 following a surgical procedure at Alexandria Medical Centre, ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi condemned the trend.
“There is some strange behaviour that has come where a section of Ugandans celebrate people’s death and wish people who are alive to die,” Baryomunsi said. “As a minister responsible for national guidance, we would want to call upon Ugandans: let us remain with that culture of Ugandan-ness… let us desist from celebrating death, especially in the advent of social media.”
He cautioned that irresponsible social media use could prompt tougher rules, adding, “Ugandans should not push us to have strong regulation for the social media space because it is being misused.”
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi called for a thorough probe into Nakimuli’s death, noting she drove herself to the facility and appeared stable beforehand. “This is not about apportioning blame prematurely, it is about restoring public confidence,” he said, while highlighting broader health sector flaws.
Baryomunsi confirmed Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng directed the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council to investigate, including a post-mortem by six pathologists at Mulago National Referral Hospital. A report is forthcoming to address public concerns, he said.
Speaker Anita Among shared the post-mortem with Nakimuli’s family after meetings with medics and urged dignified tributes without politics. She praised Nakimuli as a compassionate athlete and impactful leader in politics, sports, and gender advocacy, marking her as the seventh MP lost in the 11th Parliament.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja hailed “Mama Kalangala” for championing islanders’ needs like ferry services and healthcare. Vice President Jesca Alupo and others lauded her unity-building and devotion.
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang proposed deducting UGX 500,000 from each MP’s salary for Nakimuli’s 13-year-old daughter at Kibuli Secondary School, though Speaker Among noted future parliaments might not agree.
Nakimuli’s body will lie in state at Parliament, proceed to National Unity Platform headquarters, then to her Luwero home for burial today, April 23.
