Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, a Ugandan politician widely known as the “Mother of Parliament,” has died at the age of 96.
Rhoda Kalema passed away Sunday morning at Nairobi Hospital, her family confirmed.
Born on May 10, 1929, Kalema was a prominent figure in Uganda’s post-independence political landscape and a vocal advocate for women’s participation in governance and public life.
Her political journey began in 1961 when she joined the Uganda People’s Congress, recruited by influential leaders Grace Ibingira and Adoko Nyekon.
Kalema temporarily withdrew from politics in 1972 after 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-entered the political arena after Amin’s ouster in 1979, becoming one of only two women appointed to the National Consultative Council (NCC), the interim legislative body established by the National Liberation Front under Edward Rugumayo.
Rhoda Kalema’s Political Career
In 1980, she co-founded the Uganda Patriotic Movement, a precursor to the current ruling party, the National Resistance Movement.
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Kalema’s resilience was evident throughout her career. Despite facing political persecution and being imprisoned on three separate occasions, she remained an unwavering advocate for democracy and social justice.
From 1989 to 1991, she served as deputy minister for public service under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. In 1994, she made history once again by defeating eight male opponents to represent Kiboga District in the Constituent Assembly.
Her leadership earned her widespread recognition. In 1996, the Forum for Women in Democracy named her a “transformative leader,” and in 2023, she received the Sudreau Global Justice Lifetime Achievement Award from Pepperdine University School of Law and the Uganda Judiciary.
Uganda Mourns
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa was among many who paid tribute to Kalema.
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“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 mentored a generation of women leaders and remained a sought-after source of wisdom 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, where I tapped into her invaluable knowledge on topics ranging from life and politics to education.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by her family in the coming days.
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