Soroti City MP Alobo Joan Mourns the Passing of Iconic Ugandan Politician, Hon Cecilia Ogwal, at 77; Funeral Arrangements Announced
In a heartfelt statement, Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament, Hon Acom Alobo Joan, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Hon Cecilia Barbra Atim Ogwal. The late MP, who was an iconic figure in Ugandan politics, passed away at the age of 77 in a hospital in India, succumbing to cancer.
Hon Alobo Joan, with distressed, spoke fondly of her close relationship with the late Hon Cecilia Ogwal, describing her as a role model, mentor, and mother figure. She recalled their joint efforts in leading a demonstration against a suspicious meeting organized by the Ministry of Energy in Soroti City, emphasizing Hon Ogwal’s dedication to ensuring that MPs were not left uninformed.
Last year, Hon Cecilia Ogwal had graciously accepted an invitation to be the Guest of Honor at Soroti City’s belated women’s day celebration, bringing with her two buses filled with women. Despite disruptions from local authorities, she had committed to attending this year’s celebration as well.
Hon Alobo conveyed her sympathies to the family of Hon Cecilia, the people of Dokolo, the broader Lango region, and all of Uganda. She concluded her statement with a solemn farewell, “May the Almighty God receive your soul in heaven till we meet again.”
Life and Career of Hon Cecilia Barbra Atim Ogwal
Hon Cecilia Ogwal, born on June 12, 1946, in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, was a notable individual with a rich educational background. She graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1970 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and later contributed significantly to various sectors, including her involvement in the drafting of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution. In 1969, at the age of 23, she won the “Miss Uganda” contest.
Her political career saw her serve as the Acting Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) from 1985 to 1992. In 2011, she won the Women’s Representative seat for the newly created Dokolo District as a member of the Forum for Democratic Change party till her death.
She also served as the Lira City Municipality MP upto 2006 when Hon. Jimmy Akena dislodge her from the constituency.
Hon Cecilia Ogwal’s life journey came to an end on Thursday morning in India, where she had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Official Burial and Funeral Program
President Yoweri Museveni has granted an official burial to the late Hon Cecilia Ogwal. The Minister in charge of the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, confirmed the President’s decision and announced his attendance at the vigil in honor of the deceased.
The funeral program, released by Parliament, outlines that Hon Ogwal’s body is expected to arrive in the country on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Parliament will pay tribute to her on Monday, after which the body will be taken to her home in Bogolobi for the vigil.
The final resting place for Hon Cecilia Ogwal is scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2024, at her ancestral home in Dog Gudu Cell, Alito Town Council, Kole district. The entire nation mourns the loss of a dedicated and influential leader, Hon Cecilia Barbra Atim Ogwal.
DOWN IS AN OLD VIDEO OF THE LATE CECILIA OGWAL ON TEACHERS SALARY
END____
