Summary:

• Cecilia Ogwal, the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament in Uganda, has passed away at 77 after battling cancer in India. Known as the country’s “iron lady,” she served since 1996, representing Lira Municipality and later Dokolo District.

Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament, Cecilia Ogwal, has passed away, as announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among, on Thursday morning.

In a somber message on X (formerly Twitter), Speaker Among expressed deep sorrow, describing Ogwal as a “Mother, Mentor, and role model.” The Honorable Member, who represented the Women of Dokolo District, was remembered for her contributions, and the Speaker extended sincere sympathies to her husband, family, friends, the people of Lango, and colleagues, wishing her soul eternal rest.

At the age of 77, Cecilia Ogwal, who had served as an MP since 1996, succumbed to cancer in India. Referred to as the country’s “iron lady” for her outspoken criticism of the regime, she had a notable political career. Ogwal served as a Constituent Assembly delegate and represented the people of Lira Municipality until 2005 when she lost the seat. After a brief tenure with the Uganda Peoples Congress party, she joined the Forum for Democratic Change and contested for the Dokolo District Woman seat in 2006.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, praised Ogwal for her instrumental role in guiding and shaping local leaders. He acknowledged her significant contributions, particularly in advocating for a just global agenda.

Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, born on June 12, 1946, in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, was not only a politician but also a businesswoman and management consultant. She began her political journey in 1996 as the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament. Ogwal, a graduate in Bachelor of Commerce from the University of East Africa, Nairobi, also held certificates in Human Resources Management, Christian-Based Values, and Public Private Partnership.