According to Mugisha, she was rushed to hospital for medical attention but she was pronounced dead upon arrival. 'It's sad that Sarah died when Kisoro district and Uganda needed her more, it's a big loss to our family. Although we expect the government to come up with a burial programme, as a family we need to plan ourselves," he said.
At the age of 49, Mateke was a daughter of former Minister Philemon Mateke. Born into a political family, Mateke followed in the footsteps of her father Philemon Mateke who also served in Museveni's and held Kisoro district leadership for years.
When she won the parliamentary seat for Kisoro district, Museveni named her minister in appreciation of her father's contributions to the NRM government.
She was first appointed State minister of Gender in-charge of Children and Youth Affairs in 2021 until March 21st when Museveni reshuffled his cabinet and moved her to the Defense Ministry where she's the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Her previous docket at the Gender ministry is currently occupied by events promoter Balaam Barugahara.
As the cloud of sorrow and grief hovers above Kisoro district, Museveni's government has announced that burial arrangements will be communicated later and will be accorded an official burial.
Condolences have poured in from different government officials, with some casting a shadow of controversy.
Former Ugandan high commissioner to Canada Joy Ruth Acheng remarked and stated that she would run for the upcoming Kisoro by election following Sarah Mateke's demise.
"I wish it was my area MP. I would have run for the by election and got to parliament. RIP Hon. Mateke," she said.
Speaker of Parliament Honourable Annet Anita Among posted on her X, 'With a heavy heart, I have received the news of the demise of the Hon Sarah Mateke, Woman MP Kisoro, and State Minister for Defence. Sincere sympathies to her family, H.E. President Museveni, relatives, friends, and the Kisoro community. In her, we have lost a humble and committed servant of our country.'
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uganda-s-state-minister-of-defence-succumbs-to-heart-attack
