Speaker Anita Among has urged the Church to continually pray for the 11th Parliament’s well-being. Speaking at the funeral service for the late Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament, Cecilia Ogwal, Among emphasized the need for prayers considering the loss of four sitting Members of Parliament within two and a half years.
“I urge the Church to pray for us, Members of Parliament. Where we could have wronged, we ask for forgiveness,” said Among during the service at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala.
Parliament mourned the loss of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022, followed by the death of Serere County Member of Parliament, Patrick Okabe, in a road accident in December of the same year. In May 2023, State Minister for Labour, Col Charles Engola Macodwogo Okello (Rtd), was killed by his bodyguard.
Among also highlighted Cecilia Ogwal’s contributions, describing her as an advocate of women’s rights, a health sector ambassador, nationalist, patriot, and prayer warrior. Among remembered Ogwal’s bold stance against same-sex marriage during debates on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Representing the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe praised Ogwal as a spiritual legislator who advocated for the voiceless and marginalized. He noted her eloquence in articulating the needs of her constituency and emphasized her rare combination of boldness and humility.
Miria Matembe, a women’s rights activist, expressed grief for losing Ogwal, describing her as a beacon of hope. Matembe praised Ogwal for living by Godly principles and succeeding at the public, family, and faith levels.
Lameck Ogwal, the late legislator’s husband, remembered her as a great woman and mother, emphasizing her commitment to family values. Dr. Rosemary Alwoc, Ogwal’s first child, highlighted her mother’s love, which she translated from her Christian faith into her family life.
The casket will be transported to Dokolo District for another church service at Ogwal’s home in Adok Sub-County, followed by a night vigil. The final resting place for Cecilia Ogwal is scheduled for Saturday in Kole District.
