The Cecelia Ogwal I knew

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OPINION

By Ambassador Paul Amoru

The late Hon. Cecelia Ogwal was a towering figure in Ugandan politics, renowned for her astuteness, eloquence, kindness and unwavering faith. I had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable presence and leadership firsthand, as she left an indelible mark on all who had the honour of crossing paths with her.

My interactions with Ogwal spanned many years, providing me with a multifaceted understanding of her character and tireless dedication to public service.

From the moment I first encountered her captivating presence at a rally in 1996 to the profound guidance she bestowed upon me during my foray into student politics, Ogwal consistently exemplified grace, humility and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

I first came face to face with the Iron Lady, Imat Cecelia in 1996, when I was in Primary 6 at Dokolo Primary School when we had to run out of class to join a multitude of people who had gathered at Angwechibange Primary School, a neighbouring school in Dokolo town. This was where the firebrand politician and Iron Lady was addressing a rally. She had a captivating deep and powerful vocal projection that resonated with her audience.

Many of us then were simply curious and wanted to catch a glimpse of the roaring revered Iron Lady. It would take several years later when I again met Imat at her office at Uganda House in 2005, the UPC Headquarters.

I was then a second-year student at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. I went to seek guidance from her when I was running for the guild presidential elections of 2005/2006. I won the guild elections and the contact I made with her saw me joining her campaign in the byelection of the Dokolo Woman seat when she run successfully as an Independent parliamentary candidate in 2006, following the creation of Dokolo district, carved out of the then Lira district.

A down-to-earth woman of faith

Five years later, in 2010, Imat Cecilia was one of the first politicians in Lango I consulted on my plans to run as MP for Dokolo County. At her house in Bugolobi (in Kampala), I was profoundly humbled by two things I witnessed.

One, Imat the firebrand in politics was a humble and down-to-earth woman, mother and wife at home. I witnessed Imat set up the dining table herself and personally served her dear husband, Mzee Lamech Smart and me. After a delicious local meal, she prepared a fruit platter of pawpaw and pineapples and again served each of us. So, her position and success did not change her personality, she remained a role model and mentor. 

The second thing I witnessed was that she was a woman of faith, Imat had a prayer altar both at home and in her office. On this very day, at the end of the meeting, Imat conducted us to a deep prayer session for about one hour. It's from that day that I knew Imat as a godly woman who anchored her leadership on the foundation of Christ our Lord. Several times in the 10th Parliament, I walked into Imat's office and found her getting ready for lunch hour prayer and intercession.

A listener to all

Earlier in 2010 and 2011, together with then Dokolo District Chairperson Mzee JB Okello Okello, we conducted several political mobilisation meetings with Imat in the lead. I remember holding late-night meetings in Agwata, Kwera, Kangai, Dokolo and Bata hosted privately at the homes of her mobilisers.

One such meeting extended until 3:00am in Kangai sub-county and there were lots of mosquitoes. I was young and just a few years after university and was not familiar with grassroots politics. Imat looked at me fighting with the stubborn mosquitoes, smiled and said:

"My son, welcome to real politics!"

The meetings took long because Imat wanted every mobiliser to raise the issues affecting the community and how they felt the campaign should be conducted.

'A true Lango woman doesn't eat chicken'

Imat promoted the social and cultural values of the Lango people and the African people. She also had some conservative traditional practices like not eating chicken which she argued was a preserve for men and always said a true Lango woman should not be eating chicken and other birds.

Motherly throughout

Serving the people of Dokolo with her in the 10th Parliament was a humbling honour for me as a young politician. I feel fortunate to have drunk from her pot of wisdom, observed and learned closely for over 10 years from her experiences and passion. I must admit, we did not agree on every issue or approach but she always remained motherly and supportive. She never held grudges.

In 2016 and in 2021, we belonged to different political camps and formations. But when I lost my bid for re-election to the 11th Parliament, she invited me and said,

“Paul my son, I want to tell you that you have now passed your test. A politician who has never tasted defeat at the ballot is not a real politician, he or she remains half baked”.

She said and continued,

"Your future is now clear and at the right time you will bounce back and become one of our best leaders and politicians”. 

She comforted me and wished me well. A few months later, when President Yoweri Museveni appointed me High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the Republic of South Africa, Imat was the first senior politician from Lango to pay me a courtesy call at the Official Residence at WaterKloof in Pretoria.

When Cecilia visited the High Commission in Pretoria, meeting Ambassador Amoru. (Courtesy photo)

An advocate for women and girls

What truly set Ogwal apart was her unwavering advocacy for women and the girl child. She championed crucial issues such as maternal health, the fight against cervical cancer, and the eradication of Hepatitis B. Her passion for education and empowerment was palpable, as she dedicated herself to fostering the growth and development of her community through tangible initiatives and support for women's economic ventures.

Beyond her political prowess, Ogwal's warmth and approachability were evident in the intimate moments I shared with her. Her deep-rooted faith and devotion to prayer were a cornerstone of her leadership, and her home exuded an atmosphere of gracious hospitality and familial love. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she was ever ready to extend a helping hand, offer words of wisdom, and provide solace during challenging times.

Despite any differences in perspective, Hon. Cecelia Ogwal remained a pillar of maternal wisdom, offering guidance and support with a generous spirit and a remarkable lack of judgement. Her capacity for forgiveness and her genuine care for those around her were testaments to her noble character and magnanimous heart.

The loss of Hon. Cecelia Ogwal leaves a profound void in the fabric of Ugandan politics and in the hearts of all those whom she touched. Her legacy of service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the marginalised will continue to resonate for generations to come. May her soul rest in eternal peace as we honour and celebrate the legacy of a truly remarkable leader, mentor, and beacon of hope for all.

The writer is,
Former Dokolo North MP
High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa