Published on 23/01/2024
President Yoweri Museveni has praised the late Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal for transcending the quagmire of partisan politics and elevating herself to the noble realm of patriotism.
Attending a night vigil in Parliament to honor Ogwal, Museveni acknowledged that despite the prevalent trend of animosity towards his government, the departed Dokolo Woman MP had risen above divisive politics and consistently prioritized the national interest.
Even as a member of the Pan African Parliament Ogwal, according to Museveni, defied easy categorization and staunchly defended Uganda irrespective of political affiliations. Museveni commended her as a formidable leader whose significant contributions had been overshadowed by the corrosive politics of animosity and prejudice, a trend he believes is gradually waning.
Reflecting on intercepted conversations between Ogwal and the then Lord’s Resistance Army deputy commander, Vincent Otti, Museveni recounted how she resisted intimidation and vehemently denounced the rebellion. He attributed part of the credit for the current peace in the North to individuals like Cecilia Ogwal, emphasizing her role beyond the military in pacifying the region.
Museveni concluded by affirming that the late Ogwal had maintained an untarnished record of integrity, emphasizing her corruption-free legacy.
During her time as Parliamentary Commissioner, he said, Ogwal emerged clean.
“She was in the Parliamentary Commission, we never heard of any dirt,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among thanked Museveni for according Ogwal an official burial, and announced to mourners that the President had okayed the request by MPs for a special project in the late’s honour.
“The prayers [requests] in the motion have been handled by the President,” she said.
Among said Ogwal never looked at issues through the narrow prism of political parties, but rather approached every national issue with a patriotic spirit.
“Much as she was from the Forum for Democratic Change, she was an MP for Uganda; she put the country ahead,” she said.
Also present at the vigil was Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua, among others.
