Legislators gathered at the parliament on Monday to honor and remember the late Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, the former Dokolo woman representative who passed away last week at the age of 77 while undergoing cancer treatment in India.
Speaker Anita Among acknowledged the pain of losing a distinguished legislator like Hon. Ogwal, highlighting her strength, humility, and remarkable contributions to the house.
“Hon Ogwal was a strong woman who left a trail wherever she went, yet she was not the kind that caved attention. Her humility despite her massive profile is a lesson for us to emulate,” Among asserted.
Among emphasized the need for legislators to emulate Ogwal’s commitment to serving humanity with dignity, respect, and equality.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised Ogwal as a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, a mentor, and a staunch nationalist who promoted Uganda both locally and internationally.
Nabbanja who moved the motion to pay tribute to the late Hon. Cecilia Ogwal recognized Ogwal’s role in strengthening constitutionalism, democracy, parliamentary practice, political tolerance, and the rule of law.
“Our sister will be remembered for her tireless dedication to public service. She was an eloquent legislator who legislated objectively with passion,” she noted.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi remembered Hon. Cecilia as a stateswoman of outstanding dignity, an inspirational leader, and a champion of affirmative action, women’s rights, and democratic governance.
“She embodied peace and was an ardent advocate of affirmative action, rights of women and the girl-child in particular, but above all, she was a champion of the rule of law and democratic governance,” he highlighted.
First Deputy Premier Rebecca Kadaga commended Ogwal for her patriotism and commitment to multiparty democracy.
Kadaga recalled Ogwal’s relentless efforts to uphold the rule of law and her advocacy for a women’s hospital in Dokolo.
During the special sitting, Erute South MP, Hon. Jonathan Odur, proposed amendments to the motion, urging the government to fulfill any obligations with Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and establish an international specialized women’s hospital in Dokolo in her honor. Parliament passed the motion, with amendments, honoring the late Hon. Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the former District Woman Representative of Dokolo.