A Joint Regional Council Meeting in Kigezi has Endorsed the Fallen State Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Younger sister Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke to Succeed her late Elder sister Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi as the new Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District.

A Joint Regional Council Meeting Chaired at the ancestral home of the fallen Minister of State in charge of Defence and Veteran Affairs has this Afternoon, endorsed Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke, the younger sister of the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, former Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament, as her successor.

The endorsement came as a result of the motion that was introduced by Nyakinama Sub-county LC5 Councilor Dianah Nakato during a special council session held to honor the late minister. Sarah Mateke, who also served as the State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs, was remembered during the session conducted at her ancestral home in Bugahe village, Nyakabingo Parish, Chahi Sub County, Bufumbira County in Kisoro District.

John Kamara Nizeyimana, the MP for Bufumbira North County, presented Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke to mourners as the family’s proposed successor to fallen Sarah Mateke. Kamara noted that nominating a successor would prevent confusion similar to that experienced during the Bukimbiri by-election.

Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, the Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament, expressed that the majority of the Bafumbira people support the decision, noting that with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elections scheduled for next year, having two primary elections would waste resources for those interested in contesting for the Woman District Member of Parliament seat.

Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, the Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament, expressed that the majority of the Bafumbira people support the decision, noting that with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elections scheduled for next year, having two primary elections would waste resources for those interested in contesting for the Woman District Member of Parliament seat. He urged potential candidates to wait until the 2026 general elections, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and stability as the community heals from the loss of Sarah Mateke.

Kwizera acknowledged that while the family’s choice would be significant, competence would also play a crucial role. However, he noted that the NRM Secretariat would still have the authority to present a candidate to hold the party flag.

Ramathan Ndikuyezi, Vice Chairperson of the Kisoro District NRM party, highlighted that Sarah Mateke left numerous projects in progress and that only someone from the Mateke family could complete them, as all her plans were known within the family. He called on residents to support the family’s proposed candidate to carry on Sarah Mateke’s legacy.

Several leaders, including Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, Kabale District LC5 Chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija, and Rukiga District LC5 Chairman Mbabazi Robert Kakwerere, also supported the resolution, stating that choosing a family member would comfort the electorate.

In addition, the council approved a motion by Kisoro District LC5 Chairman Abel Bizimana to construct a playground at Shaza ground and name it Sarah Mateke Stadium in her honor, recognizing her contributions to the district’s development.