Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, a trailblazing Ugandan politician and revered elder stateswoman popularly known as the “Mother of Parliament,” has died at the age of 96.
The daughter of former Buganda Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Martin Luther Nsibirwa, Kalema passed away in the early hours of Sunday, according to a statement from the Buganda Kingdom and tributes from senior government officials.
Her death marks the end of an era in Uganda’s political and social history, with leaders and citizens alike mourning a woman who helped shape the nation’s post-independence governance and stood tall in the struggle for women’s empowerment.
Buganda’s Premier (Katikkiro) Charles Peter Mayiga paid an emotional tribute, describing her as a symbol of strength and resilience.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mukyala Rhoda Kalema, daughter of Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa. She embodied the dignity and courage of a noble woman and politician,” he said.
“We shall remember her for raising her children and holding her home together after her husband, William Kalema, was brutally killed during Idi Amin’s regime. She was the lamp of the Nsibirwa household. I sympathise with her children and extended family. Rest in peace, Maama, Ssenga, Jjajja.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa called Kalema “a woman of unique character and valour—down-to-earth and amiable.”
Reflecting on her life, he said: “She was a fervent supporter of political causes even before independence, but her greatest impact came after the fall of the Amin dictatorship.”
Kalema was among the few women involved in Uganda’s politics at a time when the public space was overwhelmingly male-dominated.
She joined the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) during the volatile post-Amin transition, a bold move that led to at least three arrests and stints in Luzira Prison.
She was one of only two female members of the National Consultative Council (NCC), which helped guide Uganda back to civilian rule in the early 1980s.
She later served as Deputy Minister of Public Service from 1989 to 1991 and represented Kiboga District in the 1994 Constituent Assembly that debated and passed Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among hailed Kalema as a trailblazer: “Through her boldness and determination, she opened the doors of Parliament to women leaders, mentored many notable female leaders, and made tremendous contributions to our legislative process,” she said.
“On behalf of Parliament, I extend my sincere condolences to President Yoweri Museveni, the Kingdom of Buganda, her family, and the nation. May her memory continue to inspire us.”
In 2023, Kalema welcomed Tayebwa and fellow veteran politician Miria Matembe to her home in Kibuli, where she shared wisdom on politics, life, and education. Her commitment to public service and mentoring younger generations earned her respect across the political divide.
Kalema is remembered not only for her public service but also for her personal resilience. Widowed during the brutal years of Idi Amin’s rule, she raised her children singlehandedly while remaining steadfast in her political beliefs.
May Rhoda Kalema, Uganda’s “Mother of Parliament,” rest in eternal peace.