“Cecilia Ogwal Refused To Work With LRA Rebels” Museveni Reveals
President Museveni paid tribute to the late Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal, acknowledging her refusal to collaborate with Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army.
Museveni recounted an incident where LRA commander Vincent Otti urged her to fight against the NRM due to her Langi heritage, but Ogwal steadfastly rejected such overtures.
“On a certain day, while monitoring rebel communications, Vincent Otti (LRA commander) contacted Ogwal, suggesting that, being a Langi, she should be fighting against the NRM,” said Museveni on Tuesday night.
“However, she steadfastly stood her ground and rejected the misguided path of the rebels,” he added.
During a vigil at Parliament Buildings in Kampala, Museveni praised Ogwal’s leadership, emphasizing her dedication to development and lack of corruption even during her time on the Parliamentary Commission. The President, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, expressed sadness over the political fragmentation that hindered their collaboration.
Despite differing political affiliations, Museveni highlighted their occasional close cooperation, underscoring the importance of collaboration despite differences. Ogwal, who served as the Acting Secretary General of UPC, faced political challenges, losing her Lira Municipality seat in the 2006 elections.
Museveni commended her ability to work with the NRM and lamented the stifling atmosphere of hatred in politics.Ogwal’s contributions, often overshadowed by divisive politics, included a role as a defender of Uganda in the Pan-African Parliament.
“Despite belonging to different political parties, we often worked closely together,” said Museveni, emphasising, “Her ability to work with the NRM taught us the importance of collaboration despite our differences. Cissy (Ogwal) was a strong and ethical leader who rejected the politics of hatred, a sentiment shared by others like Mao (Norbert) and Akena (Jimmy).”
During a recent meeting in Barelegi, said Museveni, “Ogwal expressed a desire for a follow-up discussion, which sadly can no longer happen.” Ogwal’s patriotic spirit, highlighted during her leadership in various enterprises, including a factory and farm in Kiryandongo, left a lasting impression on President Museveni.