Hon Rhoda Kalema, a distinguished Ugandan politician and one of the country’s first female parliamentarians has passed on.
An icon of the Uganda women’s rights movement, a pioneer social worker, Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema sometimes known as the “Mother of Parliament,” passed away this morning at the age of 96.
Whe Her career spans several pivotal periods in Uganda’s history, marked by her resilience, commitment to public service, and advocacy for women’s representation in politics.
Early Political Career and Personal Hardship:
Born to the former Buganda Katikkiro, Martin Luther Nsibirwa, Kalema’s political journey began in 1961 when she was initiated into the Uganda People’s Congress by Grace Ibingira and Adoko Nyekon.
She served as a junior minister of Culture and Community Development during Godfrey Binaisa’s regime. However, her political involvement was interrupted by a profound personal tragedy. In 1972, her husband was abducted and killed during Idi Amin’s regime, leading her to withdraw from political life for several years.
Return to Politics and Opposition to Dictatorship
Following the downfall of Idi Amin in 1979, Kalema re-entered politics. She joined the National Consultative Council (NCC), which was formed by the Uganda National Liberation Front under Edward Rugumayo. As one of two female representatives, she played a role in the transitional government. In 1980, she was a founding member of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM).
Throughout her career, Kalema faced significant challenges and persecution. She was arrested three times by the State Research Bureau: on January 23, 1979; on February 21, 1981, following numerous attacks on police stations; and on February 4, 1983.
Later Career and Legacy:
Under President Yoweri Museveni, Rhoda Kalema served as the Deputy Minister of Public Service from 1989 to 1991. In 1994, she ran for the Constituent Assembly as the representative for Kiboga and won decisively, defeating eight male opponents with two-thirds of the vote. She later retired from active politics after mentoring a number of notable politicians, including Ruth Nankabirwa, who went on to become the Chief Whip in Uganda’s Cabinet.
Awards and Recognition:
Rhoda Kalema has been honored for her lifelong contributions to public service and democracy. In 1996, she was recognized by Uganda’s Forum for Women in Democracy “as a transformative leader.” On March 13, 2018, the Pepperdine University School of Law and the Ugandan Judiciary jointly awarded her the Sudreau Global Justice Lifetime Achievement Award.
