The Woman of Valor: A Deeper Analysis of Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah by a Concerned Citizen

Today, allow me to carefully and fully analyse a true woman of valor- Babirye Kityo Sarah the Elected Member of Parliament for Bukoto East in Masaka. A leader whose life, choices, and public service reflect courage, loyalty, integrity, and an uncommon strength of character. She is not defined merely by the positions she has held, but by the principles she has refused to abandon no matter the pressure, the cost, or the circumstances.

I began following Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah during her time as a youth counselor in Mukono District. Even then, she stood out not just as a participant in politics, but as a force. She quickly became one of the most effective mobilizers Mukono had ever seen. Her communication was powerful, persuasive, and deeply engaging. When she spoke, people did not just listen, they were moved. They wanted her to continue speaking because her words carried clarity, purpose, and value.

Her influence became undeniably evident in the political journey of Mr. Francis Lukooya. After him losing elections for three consecutive terms, his breakthrough came when Hon. Babirye took charge of mobilisation and campaigning. Through her strategy, connection with the people, and convincing ability, she helped secure his victory as LC5 Chairperson of Mukono District in 2006. Yet when she later stepped away, he lost again clearly demonstrating the weight of her impact.

From there, she rose to become Youth Member of Parliament for the Central Region, marking her transition into national leadership. Her next major political challenge came in Masaka district -Bukoto East constituency long dominated by Florence Namayanja of the Democratic Party. Hon. Babirye entered this space and began doing what she does best which is mobilizing, connecting, and delivering.

She introduced initiatives, worked closely with communities, and brought a new kind of leadership that people had not experienced before. Her work reshaped political engagement in the area.

During the 2021 general elections, she stood out as one of the few leaders in Buganda region who openly and boldly campaigned for the President his Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM party members, even when it was politically risky. At a time when many distanced themselves from party identity due to public dissatisfaction-especially around issues such as land conflicts in the Masaka region and widespread misinformation but she stood firm.

Even when voters urged her to leave NRM and join opposition movements, she refused. She made it clear: she is NRM, she believes in it, and she will not pretend otherwise for votes. Those who supported her had to accept her fully-values, loyalty, and all.

This is where her defining strength lies: principled loyalty.

Her loyalty has been tested many times. As a youth MP, during the 10th parliamentary Speaker contest both the Late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah and Hon Rebecca Kadaga, had expressed their interest in running for the speaker position, she committed her support to the late Rt Hon Oulanyah who had personally requested for her support. Even when political dynamics shifted and the late Rt Hon contested for Deputy Speaker and Hon Kadaga ran for speaker, she did not betray him. At the same time, she remained respectful and professional toward Kadaga when she became Speaker. She proved that loyalty does not require hostility-it requires integrity.

In 2021, she contested for the Bukoto East parliamentary seat but lost to Evans Kanyike of the NUP party. What followed defined her character even more than victory could have. She did not go to court. She did not petition. She did not fight the result. Instead, she accepted it, congratulated her opponent, and continued working among the people.

Then came 2026.

She returned stronger, more grounded, and more connected to the people. In the January 2026 general elections, Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah not only won the Bukoto East parliamentary seat-she campaigned relentlessly, not just for herself, but for other leaders across positions, including local chairpersons. Her mobilisation once again proved decisive, contributing to broader victories aligned with the NRM in several areas. Her influence was not isolated-it was collective.

This is leadership beyond self.

Beyond politics, Hon. Babirye demonstrated courage in sports administration when she became President of the Uganda Netball Federation. During her tenure, she transformed the federation. For the first time, structures of accountability were introduced. Transparent systems were implemented. Team selection processes improved. The federation, which had existed for years without significant visibility, began to shine.

But her commitment to accountability came at a cost.

She exposed corruption within the sports sector-fearlessly and without favor. As a result, she faced arrest, imprisonment, and ongoing legal battles. To this day, some of these cases remain unresolved, repeatedly amended, and prolonged. Yet, despite being cleared by key government institutions-including the Inspector General of Government, the Auditor General, and the Attorney General-she continues to stand firm.

Her courage did not go unnoticed globally. She was awarded and recognised Blueprint for Free Speech by giving her an award for her fight against corruption-an international acknowledgment of her integrity and bravery.

Another defining aspect of her character is her ability to forgive.

After enduring political attacks, legal battles, and institutional resistance, many were shocked when she publicly endorsed Hon Anita Among for Speaker of Parliament. This was particularly surprising given the alleged political tensions and perceived opposition she had faced from her.

But she did not stop there.

 A moment that revealed even deeper layers of her independence and strength, of recent an NGO called Elevate Her Uganda, reportedly led by Mrs Loice Natukunda Otafiire who is Hon Minister Kahinda Otafiire’s wife, organised a conference that took place at the 28th of March 2026 aimed at equipping newly elected female Members of Parliament with leadership and financial management skills. The initiative was meant to support women leaders across constituencies.

However, it was alleged that the Speaker Anita Among and her team contacted several invited MPs, discouraging them from attending. Some were reportedly told by the Speaker and her team that even the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni did not support their participation in this conference , and that attending would be seen as defiance against the party and government.

Despite these alleged pressures and despite having endorsed the Speaker Hon. Babirye chose to attend.

She attended because she understood the value of the training. She attended because it mattered to the people she represents. She attended because she is not controlled by fear or political pressure.

This single act reinforced a powerful truth: Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah is an independent thinker.

She cannot be bribed.

She cannot be intimidated.

She cannot be manipulated.

Her campaigns have consistently stood out for their message of unity. She does not build her platform on hate speech or division. Instead, she speaks with purpose bringing people together across political lines. This is why she has received support from both NRM supporters and members of the opposition. Her politics is not about sides-it is about service.

Even after being Elected, her character remains evident. Despite being subjected to allegations, investigations, and court cases-even after being cleared-she has continued to serve without bitterness. She has chosen not to fight personal battles, but to focus on the people.

And perhaps most importantly, she forgives.

To forgive those who oppose you, who fought you, who even contributed to your imprisonment and still choose to work with them for the sake of the people this is not ordinary leadership. This is maturity. This is integrity. This is strength.

Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah, as you step into the 12th Parliament, the call is clear: remain objective, continue to stand for truth, call out wrong, uplift what is right, and never lose the values that define you.

You have shown Uganda what leadership can look like when it is rooted in courage, loyalty, faith, and integrity.

You are not just a leader.

You are, truly, a Woman of Valor.

Author – Adikini Florence