Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Cecilia Atim Ogwal, the Women’s Constituency Member of Parliament for Dokolo District and former Miss Uganda, has passed away, as announced by Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among, on Thursday 18, January 2024.
According to media reports, the 77-year-old Ogwal lost her battle with cancer at a hospital in India.
In her official statement on the X platform, Speaker Among expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “It is with a heavy heart and pain that I announce the passing of our Mother, Mentor and role model Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, the Honourable Member representing the Women of Dokolo District. I send my sincere sympathies to her dear husband and the family, friends, the people of Lango and colleagues! May her soul find eternal rest.”
Profile
Cecilia Ogwal, a native of Dokolo District in Northern Uganda, commenced her educational journey in local schools before gaining admission to the University of East Africa in Nairobi in 1967.
She successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1970 and also holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management from what is presently known as Uganda Management Institute as well as qualifications from Singapore and Australia.
Career
Ogwal’s professional journey included significant roles at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya, Uganda Advisory Board of Trade, and the establishment of Housing Finance Bank in 1982. She notably served as the Chairperson of Uganda Development Bank from 1981 to 1986.
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Delving into politics, Ogwal assumed the role of Acting Secretary General of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) from 1985 to 1992. She played a pivotal part in the drafting of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution as a member of the Constituent Assembly in 1994. Despite facing challenges, Ogwal remained steadfast in her commitment to public service.
In the 2006 parliamentary elections, she faced defeat in the Lira Municipality seat. However, in 2011, she staged a triumphant comeback, securing the Women’s Representative seat for the newly established Dokolo District, on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party ticket.
Her parliamentary contributions were substantial, evident through her role in the Committee of Physical Infrastructure, where she oversaw policy matters related to Lands, Housing, Urban development, Works and Transport, and Physical Planning. Additionally, she left her imprint on the budget committee, showcasing her dedication to shaping Uganda’s developmental trajectory.
In her personal life, Cecilia Ogwal was a loving wife to Lameck Ogwal and a mother of seven natural children alongside numerous adopted ones. Interestingly, the lady who came to be known as “The Iron Lady”, won the first “Miss Uganda” contest at the age of 23 in 1969, adding a touch of glamour to her multifaceted life.
The legacy of Cecilia Ogwal is woven into a tapestry of substantial contributions to Ugandan politics, and her passing signifies the conclusion of an influential era.
