Kampala, (UG): In a poignant testament to a life well-lived, the Ugandan Parliament held a special sitting today to pay tribute to the late Dokolo District Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal.
Ogwal’s casket was received with solemn honor by Speaker Anita Among and laid in the Central Lobby, draped in the nation’s colors, serving as a silent reminder of her dedication and service.
“Ogwal, a figure who transcended party lines, earning respect from both opposition and ruling party leaders, succumbed to cancer last week in India at the age of 77. Today, however, the air vibrated not with grief, but with a chorus of memories and accolades for the “devout Christian,” “distinguished legislator,” and “inspirational advocate” she was.
Speaker Among eulogized Ogwal as a woman who put “God first in all her deeds” and possessed a “remarkable public figure” who fought for “a just and fair society that works for everyone.”
Ogwal’s legacy resonated beyond Parliament, drawing the attendance of Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo, Vice President Jessica Alupo, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, a testament to the breadth of her impact.
The echoes of her strong character reverberated through the tributes. From Hon. Samuel Opio, who called her the “barometer and compass of Lango,” to Hon. Abdu Katuntu, who remembered her sitting room as the launchpad for his own political journey, the image of a forceful and vocal leader emerged.
Hon. Mpuuga, in his eulogy, captured the essence of Ogwal’s legacy: “Cecilia was a household name. Every time she picked a microphone, she was speaking about the country and people. A rare breed of politician because you would not be ashamed of what she would speak.”
Ogwal’s 28-year career in Parliament, her role as a Parliamentary Commissioner, and her representation of Uganda in the Pan-African Parliament speak volumes about her commitment to public service.
Amidst the tears and the applause, Uganda honoured not just a politician, but a woman who dared to speak her truth, fight for what she believed in, and leave an indelible mark on her nation.
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