A section of Ugandan leaders and prominent persons in the country continue to send in tributes eulogizing the late Dokolo Woman MP, Hon Cecilia Atim Ogwal who passed away on Thursday morning at a hospital in India.
Ogwal, who passed on at the age of 77, has been described as a kind, honest, and dedicated person who spoke with authentic wisdom and cared deeply about the lives of others.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among in a Thursday post via X announced the demise of Ogwal, one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament who she described as a mother, mentor, and role model.
“It is with a heavy heart and pain that I announce the passing of our mother, mentor, and role model Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, the Honourable Member representing the Women of Dokolo District. I send my sincere sympathies to her dear husband and the family, friends, the people of Lango, and colleagues! May her soul find eternal rest,” Ms Among posted.
Among’s Deputy, Hon Thomas Tayebwa posted via his official X account; “Imat Cecilia Ogwal, you have left us during a time when we needed you the most. This loss is deeply felt, not only by Uganda but by the entire world, especially the parliamentary fraternity. Your death is truly heartbreaking,” she added.
“You were instrumental in guiding and shaping local leaders, as well as advocating for a just global agenda where the voice of the global south was heard especially in the OACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Your remarkable contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history,” he added.
The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga paid glowing tribute to Ogwal saying; “I have received the news of the death of Dokolo District Woman MP, Cecil Ogwal, with deep sadness.”
“She has carried out her public duties with decency and focus. My condolences to her family and friends,” Mayiga added.
Vision Group boss, Don Wanyama mourning the late legislator posted thus; “Rest well Iron Lady. Our condolences to her family, the people of Dokolo, and the entire political fraternity. She was no doubt a voice of reason in what at times can be high tempered political landscape.”
“Be received kindly by your ancestors.”
The newly sworn-in Leader of Opposition Parliament, Hon Joel Ssenyonyi mourning the deceased MP said; “It’s a sad moment as we receive the news of the passing of our senior colleague, Hon Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, Woman MP for Dokolo District. Our sympathies go out to her family, the people of Dokolo, and her party FDC.”
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze noted that despite being in opposition Ogwal’s positions were always anchored on logic and reason and not extremism.
“Sad to receive news of the passing of Hon Mama Cecilia Ogwal our colleague and arguably the most senior legislator in our Parliament. When I was first appointed as Minister in 2012. She told me, my son, as your mother in this House I will be rebuking you in this House if you shame me and make stupid mistakes.”
“And truly, every time she criticized/rebuked me on issues of work for the sectors I led, I would listen and know it was out of love and goodwill. True parent, she was to many of us. I pray for her family in this trying moment,” Tumwebaze said.
Lango mourns voice of the voiceless Ogwal
Mr Geoffrey Ocen, the LC5 Chairman for Amolatar District observed that the people of Uganda, especially the Lango sub-region, had been immensely blessed to have Ogwal whose dedicated service transformed the lives of many people.
“Her dedication and service in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party and also Parliament of Uganda immensely contributed to the transformation of many people’s lives. She contributed to the rescinding of Article 262 of the constitution which banned multiparty politics in Uganda. So, if we talk about multiparty dispensation, Cecilia Ogwal made a tremendous contribution in ensuring that Uganda moved from a single-party state to multiparty politics,” Mr Ocen said.
He said as a legislator, Ogwal has been the voice of the voiceless and made the people of Lango proud.
Mr David Kennedy Odongo, the chairperson of all district chairpersons and mayors in Lango, said the country is saddened by her demise.
“She was one of the prominent political leaders in Lango. She was an icon of Lango, and she has been there for the people of Lango and even the President of this country was giving her respect because of the contribution to the country’s development,” he said.
Mr Odongo acknowledged that Ogwal was a politician with a rare character and quality, “and that is why she has been in Parliament for that long”.
Mr Billie Otto, Oyam LC5 councillor, said Ogwal was the biggest, strongest, most dependable pillar for Africa in general.
“The memories of how strong Ogwal was, would come back to haunt Lango. She spoke like a prophet about unity in Lango, about development, Godliness, education, health, wealth, culture, politics and business in Lango,” he said.
Ms Prossy Langol, a coordinator of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Lango, said Ogwal’s legacy as a leader and an advocate for the people of Lango is “etched in our hearts”.
“Your dedication, wisdom, and tireless efforts in serving the community have left an indelible mark. As ONC coordinators in the Lango sub-region, we mourn the loss of a beacon of inspiration and a true champion of our people,” she said.
FDC hails Ogwal as party stalwart
The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change, in an official announcement, said; “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, our woman MP for Dokolo District.”
The party commended Ogwal for “Her unwavering dedication to public service, political prowess, and leadership leave an indelible mark.”
FDC also offered its deepest condolences to her family and the people of Dokolo and said it is working closely with the family to arrange a fitting farewell.
“Details for the burial will be communicated soon,” FDC posted.
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