On April 10, 2025, Shamim Malende, the Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament, was airlifted to Nairobi, Kenya, for urgent medical treatment due to a deteriorating health condition. The prominent lawyer, politician, and National Unity Platform (NUP) member has been battling recurring health challenges, with her latest setback prompting immediate action from her team and supporters.
Malende’s transfer to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi was confirmed via a statement posted on her official X (Twitter) account, which read: “We have landed safely in Nairobi, Kenya, to seek further medical treatment. Admin.” The move comes after multiple admissions at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, where she had been receiving care following a violent incident in Parliament late last year.
Who is Shamim Malende?
Shamim Malende is a Ugandan politician, lawyer, and activist who currently serves as the Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament (MP). She was elected to this position in January 2021, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), a prominent opposition political party led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Born in December 1986 in Kawempe, a suburb of Kampala, Malende has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice, community development, and the rights of her constituents.
Malende holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Makerere University and has built a career that blends legal expertise with political activism. Before entering Parliament, she was known for her work as a community leader and her involvement in legal cases tied to political opposition activities. Her election as Kampala Woman MP marked her rise as a key figure in Uganda’s opposition politics, often clashing with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) establishment.
Nicknamed “Maama Kampala” by her supporters, Malende has faced significant challenges during her tenure, including health setbacks and physical confrontations. Notably, she was injured during a chaotic parliamentary session on November 6, 2024, when security operatives forcibly removed opposition MPs debating the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) rationalization bill. This incident, among others, has highlighted her resilience and dedication to her role despite adversity.
Enduring with Strength: Shamim Malende’s Health Story
This is not the first time Kampala Woman MP, Shamim Malende has sought specialized treatment in Nairobi. In November 2022, she was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery, only to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortly afterward due to severe complications. She returned to Uganda in February 2023 after months of recovery, demonstrating her resilience as a public figure. However, her health has remained a concern, with recent events exacerbating her condition.
Malende’s latest medical emergency follows a traumatic episode on November 6, 2024, when Uganda’s Parliament descended into chaos during a contentious debate over the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) rationalization bill. Opposition legislators, including Malende, were forcibly removed from the session by security operatives. Reports indicate that she sustained injuries to her chest and shoulders during the altercation, leading to her hospitalization at Nsambya Hospital. Despite being discharged after 12 days, her health has continued to decline, necessitating advanced care abroad.
Nation Rallies Behind Shamim Malende
News of Malende’s airlift has sparked an outpouring of concern and support from her constituents, colleagues, and the public. NUP Shadow Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, who visited her in November 2024 at Nsambya Hospital, described her condition as serious, noting persistent pain and coughing. On X, supporters expressed their prayers for her recovery, with one user,
@Sserunkuumajb, writing, “We pray for quick recovery dear Maama Kampala. May the Lord strengthen you together with your family.”
The incident has also reignited discussions about the safety of Ugandan legislators, particularly those in opposition, amid a politically charged climate. Malende, a vocal advocate for justice and a staunch supporter of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has faced numerous challenges, including an alleged attack in 2021 when her car tires were slashed while en route to a court hearing.
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Thoughts and Prayers with Shamim Malende During Her Recovery
Her current condition underscores the physical toll of her work, particularly in the face of political adversity. As she seeks treatment in Nairobi, the focus remains on her recovery and her ability to return to her role as a champion for Kampala’s residents.
As of now, details about Malende’s prognosis remain limited, with her team prioritizing her privacy and well-being. Medical staff at Aga Khan Hospital, renowned for its advanced facilities, are expected to conduct further tests to address her unstable condition. Meanwhile, her airlift serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in Uganda’s turbulent political landscape.
For now, Malende’s supporters hold onto hope, rallying behind the woman affectionately dubbed “Maama Kampala” as she fights yet another battle—this time for her health. The nation watches and waits, wishing her strength and a swift return to the vibrant leadership she embodies.