By THE OBSERVER UG
Glowing tributes continued to pour in as the former Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Barbara Imat Atim Ogwal Atat, was laid to rest over the weekend at her residence in Dog-gudu cell, Alito town council, Kole district.
During his address to mourners, Dr. Jackson Orem, the executive director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, shared that Ogwal had initially been diagnosed with colon cancer.
“A submission was made to us, indicating a diagnosis of colon cancer, specifically cancer of the large intestine. Upon our first discussion, where we explored how she wished us to manage the situation, I emphasized the need to verify this diagnosis. Consequently, we proposed additional tests, a suggestion she accepted. Upon conducting these tests with the submitted samples, our findings revealed that the cancer originated from the pancreas,” he explained.
Orem went on to elaborate that, while receiving treatment abroad, Ogwal encountered an unforeseen complication that ultimately resulted in her demise.
“She received excellent care. Our consultations with the doctors in India were fruitful, and they diligently followed our recommendations. Additional treatments were administered, yielding positive results, as attested by the family. Regrettably, unforeseen complications arose during her stay in intensive care, culminating in a cardiac arrest. In essence, her heart ceased functioning, leading to her untimely demise,” Orem explained.
Orem highlighted that Ogwal was referred to India for supplementary tests, unavailable within the country due to a shortage of essential reagents.
“While pancreatic cancer, albeit rare, poses significant management challenges, the limited capacity within our facilities necessitated collaboration with overseas colleagues. This collaboration mandated additional tests, including a PET scan and molecular tests. Unfortunately, the acquisition of the required reagents proved challenging due to their high cost. Presently, our budget constraints prevent us from meeting these financial demands,” Orem added.
Vice President Jessica Alupo Epel, representing President Yoweri Museveni, commended Cecilia Ogwal for her dedicated service to the nation, hailing her as a parliamentary role model.
“Cecilia Ogwal will be eternally remembered for her significant contributions to national development. She fervently championed the cause of women and the girl child. Through her unwavering determination and discipline, she confronted traditional injustices and prejudices against women. Her legacy is marked by her commitment to women’s empowerment and emancipation. Parliament mourns the loss of an articulate member and a role model whose absence will be deeply felt. Despite her affiliation with the opposition party, her democratic principles resonated across party lines. Her perspectives were geared towards the common good of all Ugandans,” Alupo expressed on behalf of President Museveni.
Gladys Boss Shollei, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, extended her appreciation to Ogwal for her mentorship during Shollei’s initiation into the Pan-African Caribbean Union. Shollei pledged to champion the cause of flight interconnection among African states, a matter that Ogwal had been notably passionate about.
“Regrettably, visitors from the Caribbean and various parts of Africa, particularly West Africa, faced challenges in attending today’s proceedings due to flight connections. This is an issue we are committed to rectifying, aligning with Honorable Ogwal’s strong belief in fostering an African Union with efficient intercontinental airlines. Her vision was clear: we must facilitate easier travel within our continent,” Shollei remarked.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa fondly recalled how Cecilia Ogwal mentored him, particularly during his early days as the Deputy Speaker.
“In our initial meeting, she emphasized that despite being the head of the delegation, I had an elder in her. She instructed me not to speak until she introduced me. Many of you may have seen the video where she introduced me to the ACP. On the international stage, having many delegates who merely sign the attendance list is common, but with Mama, you have to speak. She was clear: ‘I don’t want members who will attend and wait for you; each one should be assigned a topic.’ As we approach February, our scheduled visit to Angola, her absence will be profoundly felt within our community. I anticipate that many of you, fellow members of parliament, will demand a state burial when I pass away; Atat truly earned that honor through merit,” remarked Tayebwa.
Reflecting on the Ogwal family’s journey, Tayebwa urged men to draw lessons from Mzee Lameck Ogwal’s unwavering support for his wife’s political endeavors.
“I extend my gratitude to Mzee Lameck for allowing his wife to flourish while steadfastly remaining the head of the household. He consistently provided support, recognizing that what women primarily require is love. It’s crucial for men to understand that enabling women to grow doesn’t diminish their own roles. Failure to prepare one’s wife to take charge often results in the entire family facing challenges when the man is no more. I’ve observed discussions in the news where people emphasize that women should learn from Amat; I also propose that men learn valuable lessons from Lameck. Regardless of our roles as MPs or ministers, it’s imperative that we remain humble in our domestic responsibilities,” Tayebwa emphasized.
Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the president of the Forum for Democratic (FDC) party, urged the government to ensure the presence of functional health facilities accessible to every Ugandan. He further implored the residents of Dokolo to permit the FDC to complete its term in parliament by presenting a candidate unopposed. Amuriat issued a warning to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and security forces against interfering in the upcoming by-election.
“Atat was in the midst of a full five-year term, and it’s crucial that these remaining years are fulfilled. Upon the family’s decision on the candidate, kindly introduce them to us so that we can swiftly commence our activities. Atat was a proponent of peace; let’s not taint the Dokolo by-election with violence. Tanga Odoi, convey to your constituents that Atat was not a political opportunist, and the military needs to be aware,” emphasized Oboi.
Richard Todwong, the Secretary of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), called upon leaders to emulate Ogwal’s mentorship legacy and emphasized the importance of unity regardless of political affiliations. The funeral ceremony drew dignitaries from both within and beyond Uganda’s borders.
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