Kisoro district councillors have unanimously passed a motion to name the proposed Shaza stadium after the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday during a joint special council meeting held at Nyirabashitsi’s ancestral home in Bugahe village, Nyakabingo parish.
The motion was moved by Abel Bizimana, Kisoro District LCV Chairperson who revealed that Kisoro district local government is planning to construct a multi-billion stadium to boost sports, business and tourism at Shaza grounds in Kisoro municipality. He said that naming the stadium after Nyirabashitsi is an honour for the role she played in transforming Kisoro district.
Bizimana was seconded by John Muftimukiza, district councillor representing Nyarusiiza sub-county and James Agaba, councillor representing the Southern division. They said that Nyirabashitsi’s role in lobbying funds from the government to construct roads, bridges, water schemes and promoting agriculture will be remembered forever.
Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, Member of Parliament for Bukimbiri County and John Ninzeyimana Kamara, Bufumbira North County MP proposed that the family select a member who will replace Mateke. A source in a family revealed to our reporter on condition of anonymity that Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke, a sister to the deceased who lives in the United Kingdom (UK) is being proposed.
Nyirabashitsi’s body was airfield to Kisoro district on Wednesday. The body was received by the government and political leaders in the area led by Hajji Badru Ssebyala, Kisoro resident district commissioner and UPDF Second Division commander Brigadier-General Paul Muhanguzi.
Mateke Nyirabashitsi,50, who was also the Kisoro District Woman MP died on Saturday on arrival at Mengo Hospital in Kampala after suffering a heart attack while at home.