Martha Okumu Ringa, Uganda Diplomat, Dies at 45.
KAMPALA, Uganda - Martha Okumu Ringa has died. She was a diplomat from Uganda. She was 45 years old.
The Foreign Ministry said she died on Wednesday in Rome, Italy. That is where she worked.
Martha was the daughter of Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, a former minister and businessman who died in 2023.
"We are very sad that she is gone," said Vincent Bagiire. He is a top official at the Foreign Ministry. "We are working to bring her body back to Uganda."
Last week, Martha had an accident at work. She broke a bone. She had one surgery and was going to have another.
On Tuesday night, Martha had a heart attack. A nurse was with her at the time.
Martha's family said she had high blood pressure for many years.
Martha worked for Uganda's diplomatic service for over 10 years. From 2013 to 2018, she worked at the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. She promoted Uganda's interests in several African countries.
Before that, she worked at the Foreign Ministry in Kampala. She worked on Uganda's ties with the East African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. She supported women's rights and regional integration.
Martha was also important in the Foreign Ministry's communications department. She worked with journalists and helped explain the ministry's work to the public.
"Martha was very professional and dedicated," officials said. "She had strong relationships in Uganda and other countries."
The Foreign Ministry has not yet announced plans for Martha's funeral. But many people are honoring her service to Uganda.
"Martha was warm and kind," said Patrick Oyulu, a friend. "Many people will miss her deeply."
KAMPALA, Uganda - Martha Okumu Ringa has died. She was a diplomat from Uganda. She was 45 years old.
The Foreign Ministry said she died on Wednesday in Rome, Italy. That is where she worked.
Martha was the daughter of Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, a former minister and businessman who died in 2023.
"We are very sad that she is gone," said Vincent Bagiire. He is a top official at the Foreign Ministry. "We are working to bring her body back to Uganda."
Last week, Martha had an accident at work. She broke a bone. She had one surgery and was going to have another.
On Tuesday night, Martha had a heart attack. A nurse was with her at the time.
Martha's family said she had high blood pressure for many years.
Martha worked for Uganda's diplomatic service for over 10 years. From 2013 to 2018, she worked at the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. She promoted Uganda's interests in several African countries.
Before that, she worked at the Foreign Ministry in Kampala. She worked on Uganda's ties with the East African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. She supported women's rights and regional integration.
Martha was also important in the Foreign Ministry's communications department. She worked with journalists and helped explain the ministry's work to the public.
"Martha was very professional and dedicated," officials said. "She had strong relationships in Uganda and other countries."
The Foreign Ministry has not yet announced plans for Martha's funeral. But many people are honoring her service to Uganda.
"Martha was warm and kind," said Patrick Oyulu, a friend. "Many people will miss her deeply."
