Defence State Minister Sarah Mateke is Dead

Sarah Mateke, the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, has passed away at the age of 50.

State Minister for ICT, Godfrey Kyabbyanga Baluku, was among many Ugandans who took to X to mourn her passing.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear colleague and close friend, Hon. Sarah Mateke, State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs. Her dedication to serving our nation, especially in her role supporting our defence forces and veterans, was an inspiration to all of us,” he wrote.

Kyabbyanga further extended his condolences to Mateke’s family, friends, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the entire government. “During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with her family. May her legacy of service and commitment to our country continue to inspire us, and may she rest in eternal peace. We will miss her dearly,” he added.

Mateke, who served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District, was the daughter of former Minister for Regional Affairs Philemon Mateke. She reportedly died from a heart attack.