The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, has commemorated the late Cecilia Ogwal as a significant pillar for women’s agenda in Uganda. Addressing hundreds of mourners at Bugolobi on Sunday, Amongi highlighted that the legacy of Cecilia Atim Ogwal will endure globally.
“I started my political journey at the age of 24 in 2000 when I met Hon. Cecilia. After graduating in 1999, Hon. Dr. Okullu Epak, along with Cosmas Adyebo, facilitated my candidacy as a woman MP for Apac under the UPC Adolf committee,” recalled Amongi, reflecting on her political genesis with the late Cecilia Ogwal. She successfully navigated the vetting process and entered Parliament.
During her early political days, Cecilia Ogwal initially supported another candidate, Acan Joy Ruth, but eventually, after the elections, they became best friends. Amongi reminisced about the political landscape at that time, highlighting key figures like Aggrey Awori, Hon. Atat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, Dr. Okullo Epak, Ben Wacha, Ojur Franco, the late Modi Okot, and Margaret Otengo Otim, among others.
Minister Amongi emphasized the challenge of multi-party democracy’s return in Uganda during that period. She praised Hon. Cecilia Ogwal’s commitment to women’s agenda, transcending party lines, and noted her influence even with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“We have lost a voice that has withstood the test of time but also a voice that can be heard. She became a big pillar, so that is a woman for us, because when Hon. Cecilia Ogwal spoke to the president about something, it was considered by His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” stated Hon. Minister Amongi.
In her concluding remarks, Minister Amongi expressed pride in Cecilia Ogwal’s work and legacy, citing the increased representation of women in the Cabinet and as permanent secretaries.
“May her soul rest in peace. Amen.
