In Summary: Leaders in Iganga have paid tribute to former District Woman MP Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, recalling her contribution to rural electrification and urging district leaders to unite to sustain her legacy. Kwagala, who represented Iganga from 2011 to 2016, is scheduled to be buried in Bugweri District on Saturday.
Iganga, Uganda — Leaders in Iganga have paid tribute to former District Woman Member of Parliament Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, recalling her contribution to rural electrification and calling for unity among district leaders to sustain the development initiatives she championed.
Kwagala’s body was on Friday received at St. Peter’s Church of Uganda in Iganga Municipality for a requiem mass before being taken to the Iganga District Council chambers for a special sitting in her honour.
Hundreds of mourners, including political leaders, civil servants, family members and residents, gathered at the two venues to pay their last respects to the former legislator, popularly known as “Muliro Mulege”.
Among those who attended the requiem mass and special council sitting were former minister Hon. Daudi Migereko, Iganga LCV Chairperson Isabirye Shabiru Kalulu, Iganga Municipality Mayor Nasser Kongola and District Education Officer Baker Kasadakawo.
Others included Prof. Christopher Bakwesegha, former Busoga University Vice Chancellor; Hon. Milton Muwuma, chairperson of the burial organising committee; former LCV chairpersons Gabula Ezera and Patrick Kayemba; and other political leaders and residents.
During the special council sitting, councillors recalled Kwagala’s contribution to development in the district, particularly her efforts to extend electricity to rural communities during her tenure as Woman MP from 2011 to 2016.
Mugendi Abdallah, a district councillor, said Kwagala had fought to ensure electricity reached several sub-counties in Iganga. “We shall be judged by our legacy because we are deemed to serve the people. Death takes away life but spares what you have done for the people,” he said.
Hon. Kirunda Yunus, the district councillor representing Nawaningi Sub-county, said the area benefited from electricity through Kwagala’s efforts and engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). He also urged government to increase funding to the health sector to strengthen the fight against cancer.
“Government should not take the disease of cancer lightly. They should add money to the Ministry of Health instead of wasting money on other things,” Kirunda said.
Former Iganga LCV Chairperson Patrick Kayemba called on district leaders to put aside their differences and work together to sustain the late legislator’s contribution to the district. “The legacy of Hon. Olivia will not stand if the Speaker and councillors are not agreeing with the Chairperson, LCV,” Kayemba said.
He also appealed to Hon. Milton Muwuma to embrace unity, recalling that Kwagala had maintained good relations with them, including during their political contests for the Kigulu South parliamentary seat.
The special council sitting was presided over by Deputy Speaker of Iganga District Local Government Ruth Nakidoido Nakayima, who commended Kwagala for helping create a foundation for more women to participate in elective politics.
Councillors also proposed that a building in the district be named after the former legislator in recognition of her service.
Kwagala was born on June 16, 1969, to the late John Amulam Kabaale and Florence Kabaale Nansubuga.
She served as Iganga District Woman MP from 2011 to 2016 on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
She died on Monday, November 2, 2026, aged 57, following a prolonged illness at Mulago Hospital.
According to the official burial programme, she is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Bugweri District.
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