“Cecilia Ogwal Inspired Me And Other Young Ladies To Join Parliament” Speaker Among Sheds Tears While Eulogizing Deceased MP

This morning, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among expressed condolences to the family of the late Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal. Among described Ogwal as a mentor who significantly contributed to the development of new entrants in Parliament.

“We condole with the family, people of Lango, and Uganda. Some of us young ladies joined Parliament because we admired Hon. Cecilia Ogwal; the way she was articulate and discussed issues concerning this country. We have lost a role model,” Among said.

Accompanied by Commissioner Hon. Mathias Mpuuga and other Members of Parliament, Speaker Among visited the bereaved family. Hon. Ogwal, 77, passed away in India on Thursday morning after a brief illness. Among conveyed her condolences to Mzee Lameck Ogwal, urging him to remain strong and faithful to God. She praised the late Ogwal as a role model to many.

Hon. Samuel Opio Acuti, Secretary General of Lango Parliamentary Group and a family relative, eulogized Cecilia Ogwal as the “barometer and compass of Lango.” Acuti shared personal memories, stating, “When I was going to stand for Kole North Constituency, it was in this sitting room that she gave me the blessings. We have lost an iron lady, a vocal and strong-hearted woman.”

Bugweri County Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdu Katuntu, acknowledged the impact of Ogwal’s sitting room in Bugolobi on his political journey.

“I wouldn’t be a politician, but this sitting room changed me from being a lawyer to a politician… Hon. Cecilia was a great woman who would assert her authority.” Hon Katuntu Said.

Parliamentary Commissioner Hon. Mathias Mpuuga remembered Ogwal as a rare breed of politician.

“Cecilia Ogwal was a household name. Every time she picked up a microphone, she was speaking for the country and the people. A rare breed of politician because you would not be ashamed of what she spoke.” Said Hon Mpuuga.

Cecilia Ogwal, one of the longest-serving legislators since 1996, served on the Committee on Physical Infrastructure and the Committee on Budget. She also represented Uganda at the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and served as Parliamentary Commissioner.