Rhoda Kalema: A pioneer of women’s empowerment and Makerere legacy

Born in 1929, Rhoda Nakibuuka Nsibirwa Kalema, was one of Uganda’s most respected female politicians and women’s rights advocates, often referred to as the “Mother of Parliament.” And after 96 years of leading, empowering and mentoring, Kalema breathed her last, on August 3rd, 2025 at Nairobi Hospital in Kenya. According to the Nile Post, she died of age-related complications. Once the news broke, tributes poured in from across the country, including the Parliament of Uganda where the Speaker, Anita Among described her as “a remarkable leader whose legacy will live after her demise.” The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, called her “the epitome of strong femininity and exemplary leadership,” especially in the face of adversity following the 1972 abduction and presumed killing of her husband, William Kalema during Idi Amin’s regime.

Kalema was the daughter of Martin Luther Nsibirwa, who twice served as Katikkiro of Buganda, and whose landmark decision in 1945 led to the establishment of Makerere University. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep belief in education, service and leadership, something that the university will remember her for.

Kalema attended Gayaza Junior School and King’s College Budo in Uganda for her primary and secondary education. She then attended Newbattle Abbey Adult Education College where she did a course in Social Work and Social Administration, and Edinburgh University where she attained a Diploma in Social Studies in 1957; institutions were in Scotland. Her education abroad exposed her to the struggles women faced in achieving equality, especially in male-dominated professions, and strengthened her resolve to empower Ugandan women to pursue higher education and leadership. She was passionate about education, social work and politics throughout her career, working tirelessly to advance the lives of ordinary women.

Kalema’s daughter, veterinarian and conservationist, Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, described her mother as a woman who encouraged many women and girls to believe in themselves and aspire for political leadership, saying, “My mother’s passion for education of the girl child was inseparable from her family’s legacy with Makerere University, a bond that began with her father’s sacrifice to create the institution.” Kalema had been inducted in the women’s movement in the late 1950s by Dr Winifred Brown, the wife of Reverend Leslie Brown where along with other activists including the late Rebecca Mulira and the late Hon Joyce Mpanga, she joined the Uganda Council of Women (UCW).

“This movement grew at Makerere University in the early 1960s and linked up with the Uganda Association of University Women to encourage women to enroll at Makerere University. Mama Rhoda contributed tremendously by advocating for girls’ education, and would often give talks in secondary schools, encouraging girls to continue with their education up to Makerere College,” Dr Zikusoka said.

Her political journey began in the late 1950s and in 1980, she became a founding member of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), which later evolved into the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Her advocacy for clean leadership, unity and peace attracted Makerere University students into politics and inspired young people to take part in rebuilding the country after years of turmoil.

According to Makerere University News, Kalema’s connection to the university was both personal and institutional. Through UCW and later organizations such as the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), which she co-founded, and the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), she used Makerere as a platform to mentor young women, often urging them to pursue tertiary education, even in male-dominated fields.

Her passion for women’s empowerment also extended to campus life. She often highlighted the limited number of female halls at Makerere and called for more safe spaces for female students. In honor of her father’s sacrifice, she gave lectures at Makerere that linked her family’s legacy to the university’s history, and in 1999, Northcote Hall was renamed Nsibirwa Hall. An annual lecture series, launched in 2022, became another avenue through which she inspired future leaders, her daughter says.

Beyond Makerere, Kalema’s influence transcended the national stage when she collaborated with international partners in education and conservation. Her contributions earned her recognition from FAWE, FOWODE, UWONET, ISIS-WICCE, Pepperdine University and the Jane Goodall Institute, among others.

Despite personal tragedies, including the disappearance of her husband, as well as the loss of her father, three children and a grandchild, she remained a strong Christian, deeply committed to her faith and public service. In January 2025, she was honored as a Lay Canon by Mityana Diocese, in recognition of her spiritual dedication.

Dr Zikusoka recalls that even in her final years, her mother remained passionate about youth and education, giving her last public speech at a Scripture Union conference in Kiboga in July 2025. She also expressed joy at the progress of projects such as the “Rhoda Kalema House,” a girls’ dormitory in Kiboga, and the planned publication of her late husband’s biography, It’s The Life in Your Years.

Hon. Rhoda Kalema will be remembered as a pioneer of women’s emancipation, a mentor to Makerere students, and a trailblazer whose life bridged education, politics, and faith for the advancement of Uganda.