Late politician Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal. COURTESY PHOTO.
The speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Anita Annet Among on Thursday confirmed the death of Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the Honourable Member representing the Women of Dokolo District.
Christian leaders, politicians and other stake holders paid tribute to the fallen politician, remembering her as a firm believer in God, who among other things made a tremendous contribution to the progress and development of the nation.
In his eulogy, the Deputy speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa described Hon. Ogwal as one who “tirelessly” worked to advance the Kingdom of God.
“When Rt. Hon Anita Annet Among 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,” Mr Tayebwa, who is also Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North Constituency in Mitooma district, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Hon. Ogwal’s death occurred in India where she had been evacuated for specialized medical care.
Speaker Among described the deceased as a “devout Christian who put God first in all her deeds.”
“She (Hon. Ogwal) was a distinguished legislator with a strong national outlook, a remarkable public figure, and inspirational advocate for a just and fair society that works for everyone,” Among said.
Transport minister Katumba Wamala formerly Uganda’s chief of defence forces 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!”
Kingdom Builder
In 2023, Cecilia Ogwal launched a project aimed at rejuvenating and complete more than 100 dilapidated and incomplete places of worship in Adok sub-county, Dokolo sub-county, by providing essential building materials such as cement, iron sheets, and monetary assistance.
Christian leaders overseeing these places of worship, expressed gratitude, revealing that they had struggled with construction for the longest period of time, with majority of their structures lodged at the beam stage.
Ogwal explained that the construction project was rooted in a longstanding family tradition that began before her entry into politics.
The 71-year-old was very vocal about her Christian faith, during her time of service, often advocating for biblical principles, exemplary leadership and Justice.
Her credentials included two special certificates; one in Christian-Based Values from the Haggai Institute, Singapore, and the other in Public-Private Partnership, from Australia. The veteran opposition legislator was a married mother of seven natural children and several adopted ones.
Here’s a collection of 7 notable quotes during her life:
“We deceive ourselves to continue holding prayers and coming before God with offertories and gifts seeking forgiveness before we even forgive our brothers and sisters,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
“The Bible says God can use any number (of people). In fact, the smaller the better,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
“I believe in the bible and when I read it, it is very clear on how the matter of homosexuality should be treated. When we hold it up and swear to it, we commit to uphold that bible. Why then do we need to rethink its commandments when matters like homosexuality come up?” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
“God is not only in the Church,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
“I must confirm that Uganda is in God’s agenda,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
“If God came back now, I don’t know what we would tell him because we have destroyed almost everything he gave us. Look at our forests, water sources and wild animals, they are all being destructed massively,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal
“God is pursuing those bad hearted people pursuing you, walk in confidence,” ~ Cecilia Ogwal.
