On Monday, January 22, 2024, the casket of the late Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Atim Ogwal, was conveyed to Parliament for a special sitting scheduled later in the afternoon. Cecilia, aged 77, succumbed to cancer on January 18, 2024, at an Indian hospital. Her final resting place is set to be her home in Dog Gudu Cell, Alito Town Council, Kole district, where she will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Members of Parliament gathered to pay tribute and celebrate the remarkable contributions made by the late Cecilia Ogwal to our nation. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, along with fellow MPs, received the cortege in a solemn ceremony.
The burial program outlined that public viewing commenced at 9:00 am, followed by a special sitting at 12:00 pm. Subsequently, the casket would remain in State overnight at Parliament.
On Sunday, preceding the parliamentary tribute, relatives and friends assembled at Entebbe International Airport to receive Cecilia Ogwal’s casket.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, expressed her sentiments upon receiving the cortege, stating, “Welcome home our dear Imat Cecilia Ogwal! Thank you for dedicating your life to the service of our nation, thank you for mentoring us, and thank you for sharing your amazing life with us all; may the angels receive you in glory.” The plane carrying the casket touched down at approximately 2:38 pm.
Notable figures, such as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao, were present to pay their respects. The leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, also extended his condolences and greeted family members.
During the special sitting, MPs, visibly moved, viewed the late Hon. Cecilia Ogwal’s body, reflecting on her impactful life. Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho from Jonam County was seen shedding tears after viewing Cecilia Ogwal lying in the casket.
The casket of the late Cecilia Atim Ogwal now rests at Parliament as the nation prepares for her final farewell on Saturday.
