KAMPALA – The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has paid tribute to the late Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, the former Member of Parliament for Iganga District, describing her as a patriot whose distinguished record of public service, humility, and dedication to national development will remain an inspiration to generations.
The President’s condolence message was delivered by the Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, during the funeral service of the late legislator held at All Saints Church, Nakasero, in Kampala.
The service brought together the bereaved family, relatives, friends, political leaders, and other mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the former legislator, who passed away on 3rd November 2026.
Hon. Kwagala was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. Kabaale John Amulam and Mrs. Florence Kabaale Nansubuga. Her passing has been received with profound sorrow by her family, the people of Iganga District, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and the country at large.
In his message, President Museveni expressed deep sadness upon learning of her death and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Iganga District, who have lost a daughter and a leader.
“On behalf of the Government of Uganda and on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Iganga District, who have lost a daughter and a leader of great honour,” the President stated.
He extended his thoughts and prayers to the family and all those mourning her passing, asking Almighty God to grant them the strength, courage, and fortitude to endure the difficult period of grief.
Reflecting on her life and contribution to the country, President Museveni described the late Hon. Kwagala as a patriot whose commitment to public service and national development had left a meaningful mark on Uganda.
He observed that the country had lost a young leader who passed away in the prime of her life, noting that her distinguished journey of service, humility, and dedication to duty would continue to inspire future generations.
“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.
The President further recognised her contribution to national development and her commitment to serving the people, noting that she had played a role in the collective effort to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Uganda.
On the political front, President Museveni described her death as a significant loss to the NRM, particularly in Iganga District, where she had distinguished herself as a hardworking leader and committed party mobiliser.
He noted that the late Hon. Kwagala was a loyal cadre who still had much to contribute to her community, district, and country had she lived longer. He consequently paid tribute to her selfless service and contribution to Uganda’s peace, stability, and development.
The President urged the people of Iganga District and Ugandans at large to preserve and build upon the positive legacy she had left behind.
“I urge all the people to carry forward her good works,” he appealed.
Highlighting her contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, President Museveni acknowledged that the late legislator had, through her service and commitment, made a valuable contribution to the country’s development agenda.
“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 remarked.
Beyond paying tribute to the deceased, the President used the occasion to encourage Ugandans to take advantage of the prevailing peace, security, and improved national infrastructure to embrace wealth creation and job creation at household level.
He emphasised the importance of identifying and investing in viable income-generating enterprises across the four key sectors of commercial agriculture, services, industry, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
President Museveni encouraged households to embrace hard work, commitment, and productive engagement as practical approaches to improving livelihoods, increasing household incomes, and contributing to the country’s broader socio-economic transformation.
He further urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the knowledge that their departed loved one had lived a meaningful and purposeful life, having made a valuable contribution to her community and country.
The President concluded his message by praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.”May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he prayed.
In her remarks, Minister Babalanda commended President Museveni for the financial assistance he extended to the late Hon. Kwagala during her illness, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion, humanity, and concern for the welfare of Ugandans.
She also paid tribute to the deceased for her contribution to public service and leadership, while extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, and the people of Iganga District.
Minister Babalanda prayed that Almighty God would grant the family strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved daughter, while asking Him to receive the soul of the departed in eternal peace.
Drawing inspiration from the Holy Scriptures, she cited Matthew 5:4, which states: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
She encouraged the bereaved family to draw strength from God’s promises during this difficult period, noting that although Hon. Kwagala had departed, her record of service and contribution to society would remain an enduring part of her legacy.
The funeral service provided an opportunity for family members, political leaders, government representatives, and friends to celebrate the life of a former legislator whose contribution to her community, political party, and the development of Uganda was recognised in the President’s condolence message.
President Museveni’s tribute underscored the importance of honouring leaders who dedicate their lives to public service and national development, while encouraging those left behind to uphold the values of patriotism, humility, hard work, and service to humanity.
May the soul of Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala rest in eternal peace.
The post President Museveni mourns Iganga’s Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, hails her legacy appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.