Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal’s Health Deteriorated Rapidly at CSPOC, Says Speaker Among

Kampala, Jan 22, 2024 – In a poignant revelation, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has disclosed the circumstances leading to the untimely death of Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Barbra Atim Ogwal, shedding light on her deteriorating health during the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers (CSPOC).

The revelation came during a special sitting held on Monday, January 22, 2024, where Speaker Among shared insights into the events that unfolded before Cecilia Ogwal’s passing on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in India, where she was undergoing cancer-related treatment.

“Hon. Ogwal’s health deteriorated rapidly during the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers [CSPOC]. At that time, when we got information that she wasn’t well, I had to step out of the conference to ensure that we shift our patient to India for specialised medical care. Unfortunately, she passed away on January 18, 2024. We tried all we could but God’s timing is not our timing,” revealed Among.

The CSPOC, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala from January 3 to 6, 2024, became the backdrop for the challenging turn of events in Cecilia Ogwal’s health.

Speaker Among expressed gratitude towards President Yoweri Museveni for honoring the late legislator with an official burial and a 24-gun salute, acknowledging her significant contributions to the country.

Despite her impressive political career, Among highlighted Cecilia Ogwal’s humility and her tendency to avoid seeking attention. “She was not the kind of person who craved for attention. Her humility despite her massive profile is a lesson for all of us to emulate,” said Among.

The Speaker also emphasized Cecilia Ogwal’s joyous and optimistic demeanor, noting that she preferred to keep her health struggles private to avoid causing distress to others. Among urged the nation to celebrate Ogwal’s impactful and distinguished life rather than mourn her passing.

Among those present at the special sitting were Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamony, who was Ogwal’s counterpart in the sixth parliament (1996-2001), and Dr. Rosemary Ogwal (PhD), Ogwal’s first-born daughter, whom Among described as the ‘enhanced version.’

As condolences poured in from Vice-President Jessica Alupo, Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya Moses Wetangula, Cuba Vice-President Salvador Valdes Mesa, and businessman Ham Kiggundu, the nation grapples with the loss of a prominent and revered figure in Ugandan politics.