The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa have mourned the death of Dokolo District Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal.
Ogwal, who has been a member of Uganda’s legislature continuously since 1996, died of a cancer-related illness at an unrevealed hospital in India, where she had been evacuated for specialised medical care.
“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 husband and the family, friends, people of Lango, and colleagues! May her soul find eternal rest,” Among said.
Ogwal was a devout Christian who put God first in all her deeds, a distinguished legislator with a strong national outlook, a remarkable public figure, and an inspirational advocate for a just and fair society that works for everyone.
“Ogwal had a long distinguished public service career dating back to about 1979, when she was involved in Foreign Service, and thereafter she served in various capacities in numerous public enterprises, notably the Advisory Board on Trade, Housing Finance Bank, and Uganda Development Bank,” she said.
Thomas Tyebwa said, “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 was 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.
Tayebwa said that when they received the news of her terminal illness last week, they hoped that she would have a few more months to bid them a quiet farewell.
“It saddened us that we did not have the chance to physically say goodbye. You tirelessly worked to earn your place at the right hand of our Father’s throne. We now implore you to pray for us and intercede on our behalf. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts,” he said.
She was an accomplished accountant whose knowledge of finances greatly informed her legislative input into various laws and budgetary processes. She became the Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress in 1985.
Throughout her distinguished service to the legislature, she stood for constitutionalism, the rule of law, human rights, equity, and inclusivity and tirelessly worked for the dignity of all Ugandans, irrespective of tribe, religion, region, age, and gender.
She represented Lira Municipality from 1996 to 2006 and later represented Dokolo District from August 2006 until her death. The deceased also represented Uganda at the Pan African Parliament in the 9th Parliament (2011–2016).
