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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Veteran opposition legislator Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, who has been terminally ill in India, has died. Politicians across the country have paid tribute to the contribution of the ‘UPC Iron Lady’ to the politics of modern Uganda.
“When 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,” said Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa when the news broke of the passing on of the Dokolo District Woman MP early today.
“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 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. Your remarkable contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history,” Tayebwa said in tribute.
Ogwal represented Lira Municipality from 1996 to 2006. And later represented Dokolo District from August 2006 till her death. The deceased also represented Uganda at the Pan African Parliament in the 9th Parliament (2011-2016).
Works Minister and former Army and Police commander Gen Katumba Wamala said, “We have just received the sad news of the demise of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. A lady who loved her country with passion. A nationalist who looked beyond party colors when addressing national issues whether locally or while in international fora. We have lost a political icon!”
