Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament, Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, fondly known as the ‘Iron Lady,’ passed away on January 18, 2024, in an Indian hospital due to a cancer-related illness. Ogwal had earned her title for her remarkable legislative contributions and outspokenness during a time when female representation in Parliament was sparse.
The Early Years and Education
Born in 1946 in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, Cecilia Ogwal pursued her education locally before venturing to the University of East Africa in Nairobi (now the University of Nairobi) at the age of 21. In 1970, she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Her educational journey also included certificates in Human Resources Management from the Uganda Management Institute, Christian Based Values from the Haggai Institute in Singapore, and Public Private Partnership from Australia.
Career and Political Involvement
Ogwal’s political career witnessed both triumphs and challenges and spanned various sectors. From her role as a Liaison Officer for Returning Ugandan Refugees at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya to being a founder of Housing Finance Bank and Chairperson of Uganda Development Bank, she demonstrated versatility. In politics, she served as the Acting Secretary General of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) from 1985 to 1992 and played a key role in the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Ugandan Constitution.
Despite losing her Lira Municipality seat in the 2006 parliamentary elections to Jimmy Akena, Ogwal rebounded in 2011, winning the Women’s Representative seat for the newly created Dokolo District as a member of the Forum for Democratic Change party.
Political Journey and Family
Cecilia Ogwal’s political journey began at the university, fueled by her passion for women’s emancipation and the empowerment of the girl child. Despite challenges and a transition from UPC to FDC, she remained a prominent figure in Ugandan politics.
A mother of seven natural children and several adopted ones, Ogwal acknowledged the challenges of balancing family and politics. Unlike some politicians who groom their children for succession, she believed in allowing her children to make their own choices. Despite occasional regrets about time spent away from her family, she emphasized the importance of allowing children to make their own choices rather than compelling them to follow in their parents’ footsteps.
Wealth and Financial Controversy
Ogwal faced scrutiny in 2002 when the Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) called for her to declare her wealth to the Inspector General of Government (IGG). The Leadership Code required leaders to disclose their wealth, and Ogwal, along with others, was noted by the IGG for non-compliance. Ogwal defended herself, asserting that her personal matters were not the party’s concern. This controversy added another layer to her complex political journey.
Legacy and Contributions
Ogwal’s legacy is marked by her role as the ‘Iron Lady’ in Parliament, where she served as Opposition Chief Whip and a Parliament Commissioner. She was a dedicated representative, challenging the notion of term limits for MPs and emphasizing that representation is about service delivery.
Ogwal’s impact in Parliament extended beyond her constituency. She represented Uganda at the Pan African Parliament and currently held the position of Opposition Chief Whip. Additionally, she served on key committees such as budget, physical infrastructure, and appointments. Outside Parliament, she continued her role as a family and management consultant.
Beyond politics, Cecilia Atim Ogwal was a businesswoman. Her commitment to demystifying gender stereotypes in leadership positions and her resistance to the commercialization of politics left a lasting impact.
