With ‘peace in my heart’, Cecilia Ogwal’s daughter quits politics

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In a heartfelt message to the people of Dokolo, Dr Rosemary Austin Alwoc Ogwal, daughter of the late veteran MP Imat Cecilia Atim Ogwal, has announced her withdrawal from active politics, stating she will not seek election in 2026.

Speaking in a pre-recorded message from the United Kingdom, where she currently resides, Dr Alwoc expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the people’s verdict through the ballot box.

“I knelt before you and begged to let me complete the term my mother started. I traversed the district and gave my all. But you responded with your votes — 8,168 for me against 39,000 for my sisters in Christ. I hear you. I respect that decision,” she said.

A short but passionate bid to carry a legacy

Following the death of her mother in early 2024, Dr Alwoc stood as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate in the Dokolo district Woman MP by-election.

Although she finished third behind Sarah Aguti Nyangkori of the UPC, who secured 23,044 votes, and Janet Rose Adongo Okello of the NRM, who garnered 14,001, Dr Alwoc, who polled 8,168 votes, remained actively engaged in the district for 18 months after the election.

“When other candidates left after the elections, I stayed behind. I supported our people. But now, I must leave the space to the leaders they have chosen,” she said.

Investing in community-led development

Dr Alwoc’s post-election efforts were marked by a wide range of community initiatives across the district.

She established seven offices, invested over sh1b of her personal funds into development programmes, and extended support to churches, mosques, youth groups, and vulnerable families.

Her contributions included paying school fees and providing materials for over 10,000 pupils and 98 orphans, procuring fire engines and water bowsers, and launching plans for ambulances. She also conducted monthly health camps with Kampala-based specialists, repaired 61 boreholes, supported flood victims with boats and food, equipped schools with science lab materials and computers, donated thousands of footballs and kits to promote youth sports, and built homes for the elderly and widows.

“I helped churches and mosques with iron sheets, cement, uniforms for choirs — over sh200m. I stood with the sick, with mothers and with those in crisis. But now, I bow out.”

Honouring her mother’s vision

Much of Dr Alwoc’s activism was inspired by her mother’s legacy. Among the initiatives she helped revive was the construction of a sh15b historical site at Kangai, where Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega were captured, a cause her mother had long championed.

She also helped reconnect Uganda with institutions in the UK to facilitate the return of Lango cultural artefacts, a project her mother had passionately supported.

“We commend her for this initiative, which is a lasting contribution to the development of Dokolo district,” she said.

“Politics is a numbers game”

Despite the emotional toll of the campaign, Dr Alwoc remained gracious in her departure:

“Politics is a numbers game. Our family in Dokolo was so desperate for change, they could not give me just one year and a few months. I must now allow the people to live the change they voted for,” she said.

She confirmed the closure of her offices and her formal exit from politics, promising only to continue praying for the people of Dokolo.

“It was an honour to support my home for this very brief period. I leave with peace in my heart. It is well.”

Mixed reactions to her exit

Her departure has drawn mixed reactions from political observers and local leaders.

James Otto Apili, a former FDC leader and current district chairperson, praised Dr Alwoc’s developmental efforts and said her political potential may have been hampered by poor timing.

“She showed us that she had strong connections. Her coming added value to Dokolo. Maybe it was not yet her time.”

However, Beatrice Alyenyo, a councillor in Dokolo who has also stepped back from politics, was more critical:

“If she got frustrated and walked away, it shows she may not be a strong leader. Many have lost elections but returned stronger. Leadership is about persistence.”

Some residents speculated that Alwoc may have been motivated more by her mother’s legacy than personal ambition.

“Not everyone is called to politics. Maybe Dr Alwoc stepped forward simply because her mother was a politician,” one resident remarked.

Regardless of public opinion, Alwoc exits the political stage with her dignity intact — and leaves behind a legacy of service that has touched many lives in Dokolo.