Cecilia Ogwal, Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament, Passes Away at 77
The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, announced the death of Cecilia Ogwal on Thursday morning. The news was met with sadness and condolences from colleagues and the public.
Ogwal, who has been an MP since 1996, sadly succumbed to cancer in India at the age of 77. Her passing has left a void in the political landscape and the hearts of many.
A Legacy Of Strength and Courage
Cecilia Ogwal, often referred to as the country’s “iron lady,” was known for her unwavering criticism of the regime. She was a delegate in the Constituent Assembly and represented the people of Lira Municipality from 1996 to 2005.
During her time in office, she served two terms on a direct constituency election, a feat achieved by only a few women. A member of the Uganda Peoples Congress party, Ogwal later joined the Forum for Democratic Change after a falling out with UPC. In 2006, she successfully contested for the Dokolo District Woman seat.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Cecilia Ogwal was not only a politician but also a businesswoman and management consultant. Born on June 12, 1946, in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, she attended local schools before pursuing higher education.
In 1967, at the age of 21, she enrolled at the University of East Africa in Nairobi (now the University of Nairobi) to study Bachelor of Commerce. She graduated in 1970 and also obtained a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the Institute of Public Administration, now known as Uganda Management Institute.
She further expanded her knowledge and expertise with certificates in Christian-Based Values from the Haggai Institute in Singapore and Public Private Partnership from Australia. Throughout her career, she balanced her professional commitments with her role as a loving mother to seven children.
A Legacy Remembered
The passing of Cecilia Ogwal is a loss not only to her family but also to the nation. Her dedication to public service and unwavering spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate her life and the impact she made on the political landscape of Uganda.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to her dear husband, her family, friends, and the people of Lango. May her soul find eternal rest.
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