The family of the late Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal has nominated her daughter, Ms. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal, as the candidate for the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament. This position was previously held by Cecilia Ogwal until her passing on January 18.
Following Ogwal’s demise, the seat became vacant. Cecilia Ogwal, a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, succumbed to a cancer-related illness in an Indian hospital. She was laid to rest on January 27 in Dog-Gudu Cell, Alito Town Council, Kole District.
As of now, the Electoral Commission (EC) has not officially declared the seat vacant. The EC typically takes action upon receiving notification from the Clerk to Parliament about the need to fill a vacant position. The commission then outlines a campaign schedule for candidates from various parties.
Despite the ongoing process, Cecilia Ogwal’s daughter has expressed her intention to continue her mother’s legacy by vying for the seat and completing the remaining term until 2026. Moses Otyek, Cecilia Ogwal’s eldest son, confirmed this development on Tuesday.
Regarding the political party affiliation, Otyek mentioned ongoing discussions with various parties. He emphasized their commitment to carrying on the work that Cecilia Ogwal had undertaken for Dokolo.
Although Ms. Alwoc has spent time in the United Kingdom and is not intimately familiar with Dokolo, her brother highlighted her understanding of their late mother’s principles and projects. Ms. Alwoc, holding a Ph.D. in economics, affirmed her readiness to take up her mother’s seat and fulfill the vision for the remaining term.
She acknowledged the support and love the people of Dokolo had shown her mother and expressed her desire to continue that work. Ms. Alwoc emphasized that the focus should be on one’s ability to contribute rather than birthplace or marital ties.
While the Dokolo District FDC chairman, Mr. Julius Peter Okello Awany, urged caution and stated that it was premature for FDC to declare their official position, other candidates have also emerged for the seat. Ms. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) party and Ms. Janet Rose Adong Elau of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who contested against Ogwal in the 2021 General Election, are among those vying for the Dokolo Woman MP seat. Additionally, Dr. Anna Grace Lalam, Ms. Beatrice Molly Abang (Dokolo District NRM chairperson), and Ms. Lillian Auma Okullo are also in the race.
