BUGWERI DISTRICT – President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has paid tribute to the late Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, former Woman Member of Parliament for Iganga District, describing her as a patriot whose dedication to public service and national development will remain an inspiration to generations.
The President’s message was delivered by the Minister for the Presidency and Budiope West Member of Parliament, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, who represented him at the burial ceremony held today at Nakivumbi in Bugweri District.
Hon. Kwagala passed away after battling cancer, leaving behind a legacy of public service and a profound sense of loss among her family, friends, the people of Iganga District and the country at large. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Kabaale John Amulam and Mrs. Florence Kabaale Nansubuga.
In his condolence message, President Museveni expressed deep sorrow over her death and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Iganga District. He prayed that Almighty God grants them strength and courage to endure the difficult period of grief.
The President described the late legislator as a patriot who died in the prime of her life, noting that her distinguished contribution to Uganda’s development would remain a source of inspiration.
“It is always sad when we lose our young people in the prime of their lives. Hon. Olivia Kwagala Kabaale’s life was a distinguished journey of service and duty to our country. Uganda has lost a patriot, one whose legacy of service, humility, and dedication will remain an inspiration to generations,” he said.
He recognised her commitment to serving the people and contributing to the country’s socio-economic transformation, describing her death as a significant loss to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), particularly in Iganga District, where she served as a hardworking leader and effective party mobiliser.
The President saluted her contribution to Uganda’s peace, stability and development, observing that she had made a meaningful contribution to the country’s progress.
“On this occasion of her send-off, I salute her for putting a brick (etofali) on Uganda’s development and socio-economic transformation during her lifetime,” he said.
President Museveni also urged Ugandans to take advantage of the prevailing peace and improved infrastructure to embrace household wealth and job creation. He encouraged families to invest in income-generating activities across the four key sectors of commercial agriculture, services, industry, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He further encouraged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the knowledge that their loved one had lived a purposeful life and made a valuable contribution to her community and country.
In her remarks, Minister Babalanda commended President Museveni for the financial assistance he extended to the late Hon. Kwagala during her illness and for his continued concern for the welfare of Ugandans.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services across the country. She also conveyed the President’s proposal to establish standard cancer treatment hospitals in every region to improve access to specialised care and respond to the growing burden of cancer.
The Minister further highlighted Government’s plan to upgrade Nakavule Hospital into a Regional Referral Hospital, a move expected to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to specialised medical services in the region.
Hon. Babalanda also appreciated the bereaved family, religious leaders, political leaders and all those who stood with the late legislator and her family throughout her illness and during the mourning period, describing their solidarity and compassion as a demonstration of unity and collective responsibility.
As part of the President’s support to the bereaved family, Minister Babalanda delivered his condolence contribution of UGX 10 million and paid tribute to the late Hon. Kwagala for her service to the nation.
She joined family members, friends, leaders and other mourners in praying for God’s comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the peaceful repose of the late Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala’s soul and for God’s comfort upon all those mourning her passing.
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