By Joseph Okul
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, on July 27 paid a moving tribute to the late Cecilia Atim Ogwal, describing her as an irreplaceable stateswoman.
Dr. Mugalu noted that the late MP’s absence has ended a long-standing tradition of political dialogue at his home.
Speaking during a reception in Lira, Archbishop Kaziimba revealed that the death of the revered legislator in January 2024 marked the end of his informal roundtable sessions with politicians’ meetings he once hosted to foster unity and national dialogue.
“Ever since she went to be with the Lord, I’ve never invited the politicians again,” Archbishop Kaziimba lamented. “Cecilia was a mother figure to all, regardless of party affiliation.”
“She could look at a politician from an opposing camp and still say, ‘You are my daughter, you are my son – you can’t say that.’ She united everyone.”
The Archbishop, who was adopted into the Ogora clan in early 2023 by Ogwal herself, referred to the late MP as his “sister” and “personal advisor on political matters.”
He noted her exceptional ability to reconcile divided sides and calm tense political debates, qualities he said are sorely lacking in today’s political leadership.
Citing recent violent incidents during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed concern over Uganda’s increasingly volatile political landscape.
He warned that the rising hostility between party factions may escalate in the upcoming general elections.
“We are missing such people who are good at reconciling others, people who could bring unity even in conflict,” he said, urging politicians to emulate Ogwal’s example of mature and patriotic leadership.
The Archbishop further called on Ugandans to denounce all forms of segregation, whether based on ethnicity, religion, language, complexion, or political allegiance.
“At the end of the day, we are all Ugandans and deserve equal treatment,” he added.
Lameck Ogwal, the 92-year-old husband of the late MP, praised his wife for not only being a devoted mother and partner, but also for her passionate commitment to national service.
He recalled her fierce defense of the anti-homosexuality bill in 2023 and other key political stands that cemented her legacy as one of Uganda’s gallant daughters.
“We were married for 52 years,” said Lameck. “She created another family in parliament, and her influence there was unmatched.”
Cecilia Ogwal, a devoted Anglican, also left a lasting mark on the Church. The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Prof. Alfred Olwa, who accompanied Archbishop Kaziimba, celebrated Ogwal’s role in transforming the Christian landscape in the Lango sub-region.
“Through her support, over 300 churches in Northern Uganda received assistance,” Bishop Olwa said, citing St. Augustine Cathedral Bar-Ogole, All Saints Cathedral Boroboro, and St. Peter’s Aber Church, among the many churches she helped build or renovate.
Bishop Olwa also commended Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti for carrying forward Ogwal’s legacy, particularly through his support for church construction projects in Kole district, where over 100 churches have already been aided.
Born on December 6, 1946, Cecilia Atim Ogwal served as the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament until her passing on January 18, 2024.
She was a senior figure in Uganda’s political arena, having served under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party for two terms.
Her departure left a vacuum not only in her constituency but also in Uganda’s national conscience, where she was celebrated for her courage, voice of reason, and motherly approach to politics.
As Uganda prepares for future political milestones, Archbishop Kaziimba’s words serve as both a tribute and a caution that without leaders like Ogwal, the nation’s soul-searching dialogue may become a lost tradition.
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