H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the President of the Republic of Uganda has attended an overnight vigil held at parliament on Monday January 22nd 2024 to honour the former Dokolo Woman MP, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has granted the late Ogwal an official burial, went to Parliament accompanied by the First Lady, Hon Janet Kataha Museveni to pay his last respects to a woman who called him “my brother” whenever they met at public events.
President Museveni praised her for patriotism saying, when Cecilia Ogwal was elected to the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa, out there she was a big defender of Uganda.
“On behalf of Uganda, the NRM, and my family, I extend my deepest condolences to the Ogwal family on the passing of my dear sister, the Honorable Cissy Ogwal.
“Despite belonging to different political parties, we often worked closely together. Her ability to work with the NRM taught us the importance of collaboration despite our differences. During a recent meeting in Barelegi, she expressed a desire for a follow-up discussion, which sadly can no longer happen.
“You wouldn’t know that she wasn’t NRM. She was there leading the Ugandan group. She was so patriotic.
“Cissy was a strong and ethical leader who rejected the politics of hatred, a sentiment shared by others like Mao and Akena. She will be remembered for her patriotism by refusing to succumb to the pressure of joining Vincent Otti and other rebels in their fight against us.
She was not corrupt but integral in her dealings. In addition to her public involvement, she managed various enterprises, such as a factory and a farm in Kiryandongo. We admire her contributions and the successful family she raised.
“Ogwal was really a very good leader but her contribution was suppressed by the bad atmosphere created by that politics of hate.” Said president Museveni.
Hon. Ogwal has been praised by many for her head-on fight against corruption, and she has always spoken about this without fear or favour in front of the president.
The former Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) stalwart had switched allegiance to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), a party that has, in its tributes, described her as a “mentor” and “role model”.
Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal succumbed to cancer on January 18th 2024 in India where she had gone for treatment
