Hundreds Mourn NUP’s Jolly Mugisha in Mbarara

Hundreds of mourners gathered at All Saints Church in Mbarara to bid farewell to Jolly Mugisha, the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for the western region. Mugisha passed away on Monday after spending four weeks in a coma at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. She was 63 years old.
The funeral service, led by Rt Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of the Ankole Diocese, attracted mourners from different religious backgrounds, political affiliations, and tribes. Bishop Mwesigwa described Mugisha as a devout Christian who dedicated her life to God and encouraged mourners to follow her example of faith and commitment.
Former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, delivered an emotional eulogy, praising Mugisha for raising her children on her own after losing her husband at a young age. Matembe referred to Mugisha as a “sister by God’s connection” and a lifelong friend. She noted how Mugisha, despite the challenges of widowhood, remained steadfast in her faith and raised her children with strong Christian values.
The service was also attended by members of the National Unity Platform, led by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Rubongoya laid a wreath on Mugisha’s coffin and spoke of her dedication to the party, describing her as a pillar within the NUP and a maternal figure to many members. He also highlighted Mugisha’s work in mobilizing women in the western region for political participation ahead of the upcoming elections. Rubongoya commended her as a vocal anti-corruption advocate who fought for the rights of women and all Ugandans.
Mugisha’s children, led by her son Yakobo Mugisha, expressed their gratitude to the Mbarara community for supporting their family during their mother’s illness. They described her as a generous, resilient, and principled woman who taught them valuable life lessons. Her daughter, Phillipa Ampaire, shared how their mother instilled in them the belief that women can thrive independently. Yakobo added that despite the loss of their father when they were young, their mother had filled both parental roles with unwavering dedication.
Jolly Mugisha had a long and impactful career. She served as a gender officer for Mbarara District from 1984 to 2001 before retiring to join politics under the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Mugisha later became the Executive Director of the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) and continued to advocate for women’s rights. She joined the National Unity Platform in 2019 and rose to the position of vice president for the western region. Mugisha was also the founder of the Mbarara Women Development Association and served as chairperson of the NRM Women’s League in Mbarara.
Mugisha will be laid to rest on Friday in Kyemporogoma village, Mitoma District.
Details of the Late Jolly Mugisha
Information
Age at Death
63 years old
Position at Time of Death
NUP Deputy President for Western Uganda
Political Affiliations
NRM (2001-2019), NUP (2019 until death)
Key Achievements
Founder of Mbarara Women Development Association, Chairperson of NRM Women’s League (Mbarara), Executive Director of UWONET
Cause of Death
Coma after four weeks in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
Burial
Friday, Kyemporogoma village, Mitoma District