By The East Africa Gazette
Kampala
Her presence may have faded away, but the impact she left behind remains indelible in the hearts of those she influenced and guided.
The strength and determination she possessed will forever be etched in the memories of countless individuals, as her impassioned speeches resonated deeply, inspiring a vision for a brighter nation.
The Parliament will undoubtedly feel the void left by her absence, as the customary chaos and clamor will come to an end.
It is undeniable that the nation has suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, a remarkable individual who cannot be replaced under any circumstances.
Her exceptional contributions and eloquent speeches on the floor of Uganda’s Legislative Assembly will forever be remembered.
She joined the House in 1996 as the Lira Municipality MP.
As a seasoned politician, she possessed the wisdom to navigate the ever-changing political landscape adeptly. Notably, she was once crowned Miss Uganda in 1969 at the age of 23.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anitah Among, officially announced her untimely demise through her official X account, formerly twitter on January 18, 2024.
“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 Honorable 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,” Among wrote.
Based on reports, the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament, passed away in India, where she had traveled for medical treatment, due to Cancer at the age of 77.
She belonged to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) opposition party. Four years ago, the late collapsed in parliament after feeling nauseated.
Profile
Ogwal, born in 1946 in Dokolo district, was elected a delegate in the Constituency Assembly in 1994 representing Lira Municipality under the Movement System.
At that time, she held a prominent position as a strong member within the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party.
However, in 1996, she was displaced by Jimmy Akena, who is currently serving as the president of UPC and son to the late President of Uganda Milton Obote. This forced her to cross to Dokolo district.
She enrolled at the University of East Africa in Nairobi (now called the University of Nairobi) at the age of 21, where she embarked on her studies for a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
In 1970, she successfully completed her studies at Nairobi University. Additionally, she pursued a Certificate in Human Resources Management at the Institute of Public Administration, which is now known as the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Furthermore, she obtained two more certificates: one in Christian-Based Values from the Haggai Institute in Singapore, and another in Public-Private Partnership from Australia.
Ogwal’s political journey is believed to have commenced in 1985, during her tenure as the Acting Secretary General of UPC, a position she held until 1992.
She was one of the 284 individuals who participated in the drafting and promulgation of the 1995 Constitution.
She served at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya from 1979 to 1980, fulfilling the role of the Liaison Officer for Returning Ugandan Refugees. Subsequently, from 1980 to 1981, she assumed the position of Operations Manager at the Uganda Advisory Board of Trade.
She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Housing Finance Bank.
Ogwal had been advocating for the transformation of Dokolo Town Council into a municipality by 2026, along with the enhancement of Dokolo Health Centre IV into a district hospital to improve service delivery, at the time of her death.
Tributes
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa said Cecilia Ogwal, 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. He stressed that her remarkable contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history.
“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. When @AnitahAmong and I received the news of your terminal illness last week, we hoped that you would have a few more months to bid us a quiet farewell. It saddens us that we did not have the chance to physically say goodbye,” he noted on his X account.
He stressed that Ogwal 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. This loss is deeply felt, not only by Uganda, but by the entire world, especially the parliamentary fraternity. Your death is truly heartbreaking” he said.
Prime Minister NABBANJA ROBINAH @R_Nabbanja: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my friend and sister Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. She has been a veteran legislator and her contributions to the political and socioeconomic development of our country cannot be over emphasized. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal served our country in various capacities and has left a solid legacy. We have immensely benefited from her wisdom and experience. She will be dearly missed. May the Almighty God give us the strength we need to bear this huge loss. Rest in peace Hon. Cecilia Ogwal @OPMUganda”.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero @JaneRuth_Aceng: “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Hon. Imat Cecilia Ogwal. She has been an iconic figure in shaping Uganda’s politics, and her wisdom will live on for decades to come. May her soul rest in eternal peace”.
Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom Charles Peter Mayiga @cpmayiga: “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. RIP. CPM”.
Kifefe Kizza-Besigye @kizzabesigye1: “One of the most effective Ugandan politicians behind a mic anywhere, anytime has gone to be with the Lord! A devout Christian, suave diplomat, a great family woman, with sharp intellect & great sense of humour, will be sorely missed! Heartfelt condolences to Mzee Lameck and the entire family, relatives & friends. Rest in perfect peace Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal!”.
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga @RebeccaKadaga UG, the former speaker of Parliament, said the Sun has set on the life of a vibrant and articulate legislator, sincere Condolences to Mr “Smart” Lameck Ogwal and his family and the people of Dokolo on the passing of Miss Brook Bond
Forum for Democratic Change @FDCOfficial1: “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. Her unwavering dedication to public service, political prowess, and leadership leave an indelible mark. Our deepest condolences to her family and the people of Dokolo. The FDC Party is working closely with the family to arrange a fitting farewell. Details for the burial will be communicated soon. May her soul rest in peace”.
More eulogies through X!
Andrew Bishop @bishopokello1 noted: “Its glum, melancholy and doleful times to the people of dokolo, mango and the entire legal fraternity at quietus of an acharya, honcho and sachem to the empirian grubhub. Her good arts and loving heart shall greatly be missed. Jah bless you Cecilia ”.
Babirye Janet @babiryejanet5: “Who will stand for us the poor women again our iron is gone it’s really sad new to us as may her soul rest in peace our mentor she has been there always for the women woooh oh God it’s a big gab”.
Dennis Bigira @BigiraDennis: “Bambi our iron lady rest in peace u fought a good fight may her soul rest in peace”.
Nabaasa Muhandiiki @muhandiiki: “We’ve lost A distinguished leader. Condolences to her family and Uganda at large. Rt. Hon. @AnitahAmong you have a big task lifting that house back to the legislative standards of their time. Rest in peace Aunt Cecilia”.
BUNYORO NRM AGGRIEVED YOUTH/LBYDA @nicholus_ajuna: “It’s indeed a very sad morning for Uganda. Sorry @AnitahAmong for the great loss of your member and colleague. And to all members, please take heart. May her soul rest in peace”.
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