On January 22, 2024, Speaker Anita Among disclosed that the health of the late Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, Dokolo District Woman Representative, worsened during the recently concluded Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). Hon. Ogwal, the Chairperson of the Sub-Committee of Spouses and Accompanying Persons, passed away on January 18, 2024.
Speaker Among, speaking during a special sitting to pay tribute to Ogwal, shared that upon learning of her ill health, she swiftly left the conference to facilitate her evacuation to India for specialized medical care. Ogwal’s deteriorating health remained unclear as she was private about her condition. Among praised Ogwal’s humility, emphasizing her commitment to keeping others happy, even at the expense of disclosing critical health information.
President Yoweri Museveni has accorded the late MP an official funeral, acknowledging her illustrious career since joining politics in 1980 as the Assistant Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress Party (UPC). Speaker Among urged the celebration of Ogwal’s impactful and industrious life, emphasizing her non-partisan approach despite her affiliation with the Forum for Democratic Party (FDC).
Ogwal, who served since 1996, held positions such as a member of the Committees on Physical Infrastructure and Budget. She also represented Uganda in the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and served as a Parliamentary Commissioner in the 10th Parliament. Speaker Among called Ogwal an icon of love, unity, and a mentor to many, emphasizing her eloquence in advocating for all Ugandans.
The late MP’s commitment to human rights and her advocacy for dignity, respect, and equality were highlighted by Speaker Among. She encouraged fellow MPs to emulate Ogwal’s virtues, describing her death as a manifestation of a righteous life that should be emulated by all.
