Rhoda Kalema (1929-2025): Uganda’s Mother of Parliament and Pioneer for Women’s Leadership
“From Social Worker to Trailblazer: The Life & Legacy of Rhoda Kalema”
Early Life & Background Born 10 May 1929, daughter of Martin Luther Nsibirwa (former Buganda Katikkiro) and Veronica Namuddu. Grew up in Butikkiro at Mengo. Educated at Gayaza High School and King’s College Budo. Studied social work in the UK.
Personal Tragedy & Entry into Politics Her husband, William Wilberforce Kalema (a minister), was abducted and presumed killed under Idi Amin’s regime in 1972. She raised six children after that. The trauma influenced her later advocacy.
Political Career & Contributions • After Amin’s fall, she was part of the National Consultative Council (NCC) in 1979; one of the first women in post-Amin governance. • She served as Deputy Minister for Public Service and as Minister of Culture and Community Development. • Elected to Constituent Assembly (1994) that drew up the 1995 Constitution. Won in Kiboga district, defeating male opponents. • Founding member of several political and women’s organizations. Mentored many younger women leaders. Authored memoir My Life Is But a Weaving (2021).
Recognition & Legacy. • Known widely as “Mother of Parliament.” Parliament held tribute sessions; Speaker and MPs issued statements of mourning. • State granted official burial; memorial mass held at Namirembe Cathedral; burial in Kiboga. • Inspired women’s political activism; symbol of resilience. • Her life reflects major epochs in Uganda’s history: colonial period, Amin, post-Amin transitions, constitution making, NRM era.
Impact & What She Leaves Behind • A mentor to emerging female politicians; broke norms in male-dominated spaces.• Contributions to the constitutional order that still govern Uganda today. • Her example of service, integrity, perseverance. • The challenge now: carrying forward her work in women’s rights and governance transparency.
Women’s leadership: comparing what has changed since her early career to today. what obstacles persist.
Constitutional legacy: how the 1995 constitution, which she helped craft, continues to shape Uganda.
Human angle: stories from people she mentored; local voices in Kiboga; her personal reflections (from memoir).
“My life is but a weaving.” (title from her memoir)
“As women, we have lost a hero. Her work in human rights should inspire us to pass legislation that protects vulnerable citizens.” (from parliamentarians)
