Breaking News: Renowned Ugandan MP and Former Miss Uganda, Cecilia Ogwal, Passes Away at 77

In a shocking development, Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, the influential Member of Parliament representing the Dokolo District Women’s Constituency in Uganda, and a former Miss Uganda, has succumbed to cancer at the age of 77. The sad news was confirmed by close family members, who revealed that Ogwal breathed her last at a hospital in India on Thursday morning.

A source close to the family, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated, “It is sad, Mama Cecilia Ogwal is no more, she is gone,” highlighting the privacy concerns surrounding the tragic event.

Parliament spokesperson Chris Obore is yet to respond to inquiries seeking official comments on this heartbreaking development.

Cecilia Ogwal, an influential figure in Ugandan politics, had been an active member of the parliamentary Committee of Physical Infrastructure, overseeing policy matters related to Lands, Housing, Urban development, Works and Transport, and Physical Planning. Additionally, she served on the budget committee.

Born on June 12, 1946, in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, Ogwal had an impressive career trajectory. In 1969, at the age of 23, she clinched the title of “Miss Uganda.” She pursued higher education at the University of East Africa in Nairobi, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1970. Ogwal also held a Certificate in Human Resources Management from what was then known as the Institute of Public Administration, now the Uganda Management Institute.

Her career included notable roles such as working at the Uganda Embassy in Kenya from 1979 to 1980 as the Liaison Officer for Returning Ugandan Refugees and serving as the Operations Manager at the Uganda Advisory Board of Trade from 1980 to 1981. She played a crucial role in the establishment of Housing Finance Bank in 1982 and served as the Chairperson of Uganda Development Bank from 1981 to 1986.

Ogwal’s political journey began in the mid-1980s, where she served as the Acting Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) until 1992. In 1994, she contributed to the drafting and promulgation of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution as part of the Constituent Assembly.

Despite facing electoral challenges, including losing her Lira Municipality seat in the 2006 parliamentary elections, Ogwal remained resilient. In 2011, she contested and won the Women’s Representative seat for the newly created Dokolo District under the Forum for Democratic Change party.

Cecilia Ogwal leaves behind a legacy of dedication to public service, political contributions, and her inspiring journey from Miss Uganda to a respected parliamentarian. The nation mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, and her impact on Ugandan politics will be remembered for years to come.