Uganda’s former Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister, Maria Lubega Mutagamba has died, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine announced on Saturday evening via Twitter.
“I am saddened by the passing on of Hon Maria Mutagamba. May her Soul rest in eternal peace,” Dr Atwine said.
Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda confirmed the news saying it was “A great loss to the country.”
Mutagamba was admitted at Case hospital in Kampala three weeks ago with stomach complications, she was later diagnosed with liver cancer.
She was first admitted at Rubaga Hospital, which referred her to Case hospital when her condition worsened.
Mutagamba was also reportedly suffering from Gallstones. Gallstones occur when cholesterol and other substances found in bile form stones.
When the stone passes from the gallbladder into the small intestine or become stuck in the biliary duct it can cause pain.
Vincent Ssemakula Ssetuba, the former Rakai LC V Chairman, a close friend to Mutagamba and political ally, recently told journalists that he found the former minister in a worrying health state.
According Ssetuba, Mutagamba could barely talk or recognise him when he visited her at Case hospital last weekend – according to Daily Monitor.
Maria Lubega Mutagamba was also Minister of Water and Environment. She served as Rakai Woman Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2016, and quit politics in 2016. Reportedly telling journalists that she decided to quit politics because of her deteriorating health condition.
Mutagamba stated that the 2011 campaigns had drained her energy and needed some rest.
She was born in Rakai District on September, 5 1952, and held a number of high-profile roles – including serving as the Minister of State for Water Resources.
