The Lioness’s Candle burns out; who was Cecilia Ogwal?

Born on June 12, 1946, Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, was a gogetter kind of person from an early age and always strived to achieve and excel in life.

She graduated from the University of East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya with a Bachelors of Commerce degree in 1970 at the age of 24 and that set pace for her brilliant journey ahead. She holds several certificates in leadership, management and human rights fields from various institutions.

The former Miss Uganda (she was Miss Uganda in 1969), was a shrewd businesswoman, politician, woman activist, human rights defender and a management consultant who nurtured hundreds of people throughout her life.

The outspoken politician who was nicknamed ‘the lioness’, was a fearless and incorruptible when it comes to standing up for her rights, values and beliefs.

Ogwal entered Parliament as an elected Member of Parliament, she only lost once in 2006 to Hon Jimmy Akena for the Lira Municipality seat. She has served Uganda in different capacities since 1979.

She was liaison officer at Uganda’s embassy in Nairobi, Kenya for returning refugees in 1979, she also worked at the Uganda Advisory Board of Trade between 1980 and 1981 as Operations Manager.

She is one of the founders of Housing Finance Bank in 1982 and worked with the institution until 1984, she was the Chairperson of Uganda Development Bank until 1986.

Ogwal joined politics around 1985 when she was appointed Secretary General for Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) until 1992; she was part of the Constituency Assembly which drafted and promulgated 1995 Constitution.

She was a high ranking UPC official until 2004 when internal fights escalated and in 2011 she stood on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party ticket for the Dokolo Woman MP seat which she held until her death.

Ogwal, who succumbed to cancer-related illnesses from india, is survived with seven (07) children, grandchildren and several adopted children.

Several politicians and the public at large has eulogized the passing of Ogwal with many describing as a true nationalist and patriot.

Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anitah Annet Among; “It is with a heavy heart and pain  that I announce the passing of our Mother, Mentor and role model Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, the Honourable Member representing the Women of Dokolo District. I send my sincere sympathies to her dear husband and the family, friends, the people of Lango and colleagues!  May her soul find eternal rest,”

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa; “Imat Cecilia Ogwal, you have left us during a time when we needed you the most. This loss is deeply felt, not only by Uganda, but by the entire world, especially the parliamentary fraternity. Your death is truly heartbreaking.  You were instrumental in guiding and shaping local leaders, as well as advocating for a just global agenda where the voice of the global south was heard especially in the OACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Your remarkable contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history,”

Ambassador Paul Amoru; “Our mother, mentor and leader has gone to be with the Lord. Fare Thee Well Imat, Hon. Cecelia Atim Ogwal. You leave a towering legacy of sacrifice and service. Rest in Eternal Peace Atat,”

At 77, Ogwal achieved a lot at a personal level and she belonged to rare breeds of politicians who stand for the truth, who stand by their word and incorruptible!

May Her Soul Rest in eternal peace.