Dokolo, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Dokolo MP Cecilia Ogwal, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, has passed away at the age of 77 after battling cancer in India. The news was shared by Parliament Speaker Anita Among on Thursday morning via social media.
With a heavy heart, Among expressed the loss, describing Ogwal as a “Mother, Mentor, and role model” for the people of Dokolo District. Ogwal, often known as the country’s “iron lady” for her critique of the regime, served as an MP since 1996.
Originally from Dokolo District in Northern Uganda, Cecilia Ogwal was born on June 12, 1946. She was a politician, businesswoman, and management consultant, holding the Dokolo Woman MP position since 1996. Despite losing her seat in 2005, she continued to make significant contributions to Ugandan politics.
Ogwal, a former beauty queen, transitioned from the Uganda Peoples Congress party to the Forum for Democratic Change in 2006. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa praised her for guiding local leaders and advocating for a just global agenda.
In 1967, at the age of 21, Ogwal pursued a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of East Africa in Nairobi, graduating in 1970. Over the years, she acquired additional qualifications, including a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the Uganda Management Institute, a Christian-Based Values certificate from the Haggai Institute in Singapore, and a Public Private Partnership certificate from Australia.
Cecilia Ogwal, survived by her husband and seven children, leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, and dedication to her community and the nation.
Fellow country men and women.
I am here with a heavy heart, to officially announce to you, the untimely and painful demise of Hon. Atim Ogwal Cecilia Barbara, the Dokolo District Woman MP which occurred this morning in India where she had been evacuated for specialized medical… pic.twitter.com/BwKUC9t82h
— Anita Annet Among (@AnitahAmong) January 18, 2024
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.
You were instrumental in guiding and shaping local… pic.twitter.com/n3wk1NXCo0
— Thomas Tayebwa (@Thomas_Tayebwa) January 18, 2024