By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Former Miss Uganda 1969 contestant and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) iron lady commonly known as Imat Cecilia in Lango, Cecilia Ogwal is dead after reportedly succumbing to cancer in India.
Ogwal succumbed to the deadly cancer early Thursday morning, 18th January, 2024.
The speaker of parliament, Anita Annet Among confirmed the death of the 77-year-old Dokolo Woman MP who for long served as a member of parliament for Lira Municipality.
Cecilia Ogwal was also a member of the Constituent Assembly and she also served in the Pan-African Parliament. Among in a message posted on X formerly Twitter said “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.”
In May 2020, Ogwal collapsed in parliament after feeling nauseated. She has been one of the longest-serving legislators in the Ugandan parliament, having joined the House in 1994 to represent Lira Municipality during the constitution-making process.
She remained a vocal voice until 2006 when she lost her seat to UPC president Jimmy Akena. She bounced back in 2011 to represent the newly created Dokolo district as Woman MP which she has served since then.
Meanwhile, FDC, the party the deceased allied with mourns her demise.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, our woman MP for Dokolo District. Her unwavering dedication to public service, political prowess, and leadership leave an indelible mark. Our deepest condolences to her family and the people of Dokolo. The FDC Party is working closely with the family to arrange a fitting farewell. Details for the burial will be communicated soon. May her soul rest in peace.” Reads the FDC official statement released today, 18th January, 2024.
