Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the esteemed Member of Parliament representing the Dokolo District Women’s Constituency, and former Miss Uganda, has passed away at the age of 77. Family sources revealed that Ogwal succumbed to cancer at a hospital in India on Thursday morning.
Parliament spokesperson Chris Obore has not yet responded to inquiries seeking official confirmation and comment on this unfortunate development.
Ogwal, known for her impactful role in Ugandan politics, served as a member of the parliamentary Committee of Physical Infrastructure, overseeing policy matters related to Lands, Housing, Urban development, Works and Transport, and Physical Planning. Additionally, she was a member of the budget committee.
Born on June 12, 1946, Ogwal, a former defence contractor and management consultant, has been a consistent presence in Uganda’s legislature since 1996. In 1969, at the age of 23, she won the “Miss Uganda” contest, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey.
Profile
Cecilia Ogwal, born in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, pursued her education in local schools before being admitted to the University of East Africa in Nairobi in 1967. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1970 and holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management from what is now known as Uganda Management Institute.
Career
Ogwal’s career included roles at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya, Uganda Advisory Board of Trade, and the founding of Housing Finance Bank in 1982. She served as the Chairperson of Uganda Development Bank from 1981 to 1986.
Her involvement in politics saw her as the Acting Secretary General of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) from 1985 to 1992. She played a key role in drafting the 1995 Ugandan Constitution as part of the Constituent Assembly in 1994. Despite challenges, Ogwal remained committed to public service.
In 2006, she lost the Lira Municipality seat during the parliamentary elections but made a triumphant return in 2011, winning the Women’s Representative seat for the newly created Dokolo District, this time as a member of the Forum for Democratic Change party.
Cecilia Ogwal’s legacy encompasses a rich history of contributions to Ugandan politics, and her passing marks the end of an era.
