OP-ED – Nigerians say, “No matter how hot your anger is, it cannot cook yams.” Yesterday marked the burial of Cecilia Atim Barbara Ogwal, the estranged former Assistant Secretary General of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), turned FDC leader and Dakolo Woman MP.
Her passing, amid her hot anger toward the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni, coincides with the NRM commemorating 38 successful years in government.
It’s regrettable that she departed as NRM celebrates its achievements, which, despite her fervent opposition, have contributed to Uganda’s betterment. In a way, her intense anger didn’t yield the outcomes she may have envisioned.
While it is customary to let the past rest, refraining from speaking ill of the deceased, Cecilia Ogwal’s political journey is worth examining. Before NRM’s advent in 1986, she operated in relative obscurity within the male-dominated trade of politics.
However, circumstances thrust her into the spotlight, as she navigated the aftermath of a second military coup against Milton Obote.
Ogwal strategically advised UPC stalwarts to go into exile, alleging that NRM intended to harm them. Her true motive, however, was to consolidate power for herself in the aftermath of UPC’s internal divisions.
She succeeded in maintaining control over remnants of Obote’s loyalists, particularly within the Lango tribal orbit.
However, her tactics faced a setback when she defied Obote’s decree that UPC members should not participate in the 1996 parliamentary elections organized by NRM.
This led to her replacement by Dr James Rwanyarare, triggering a violent takeover attempt and subsequent eviction from Uganda House in 1996.
Public eulogies portraying Cecilia Ogwal as a moderate arbitrator who bridged political divides may not entirely capture her political trajectory.
Her moderation seemingly emerged only after her expulsion from UPC, and age tempered her confrontational approach.
While campaigning for Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere in 1996 and supporting Kizza Besigye in subsequent elections, she retained a confrontational style.
Her alignment with NRM came later, notably when her bid for Lira Municipality in 2006 was thwarted by Obote’s son Jimmy Akena.
Her reconciliation with NRM and Museveni was marked by the creation of Dakolo district, salvaging her political career. As Uganda commemorates 38 years of victory, it is essential to delve beyond surface observations.
NRM’s inclusive and accommodating approach is evident in honoring former adversaries like Obote, Akena Adoko, Adoko Nekyon, Peter Otai, Aggrey Awori, Ssemogerere, and now, Cecilia Ogwal. Adieu!
By Ofwono Opondo
