KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to former Iganga District Woman Member of Parliament Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, describing her as a patriot whose dedication to public service and national development left a lasting mark on Uganda.
The President’s condolence message was delivered by the Minister for the Presidency and Budiope West MP, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, during the funeral service held at All Saints Church, Nakasero, on November 5, 2026.
Kwagala died on November 3, 2026, prompting an outpouring of grief from her family, political leaders, members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and residents of Iganga District.
In his message, President Museveni expressed deep sorrow over her death and extended condolences to her family and the people of Iganga, describing her as a leader whose contribution to public service would be remembered.
“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 said.
He observed that Uganda had lost a young leader who died in the prime of her life, noting that her commitment to service, humility and dedication to duty had made her a valuable contributor to the country’s development.
“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.
Museveni pays tribute to her political contribution
The President also recognised Kwagala’s contribution to the NRM, particularly in Iganga District, where he described her as a hardworking party cadre and mobiliser.
He noted that she still had much to offer her community and the country, had she lived longer, and paid tribute to her contribution to Uganda’s peace, stability and development.
Museveni urged residents of Iganga and Ugandans at large to preserve the positive legacy she had left behind.
“I urge all the people to carry forward her good works,” he appealed.
He further acknowledged her contribution to the country’s socio-economic transformation, saying her years of service had helped advance Uganda’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.
President calls for wealth creation
Beyond the tribute, President Museveni used the occasion to remind Ugandans of the importance of turning the country’s peace, security and improved infrastructure into opportunities for household prosperity.
He encouraged families to embrace wealth and job creation by investing in viable income-generating activities across four key sectors: commercial agriculture, services, industry and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The President emphasised that hard work, commitment and productive engagement at household level remain essential to improving incomes and supporting Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation.
He also encouraged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the meaningful life Kwagala had lived and the contribution she had made to her community and country.
He concluded his message with a prayer for the peaceful repose of her soul.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Babalanda commends Museveni’s support
In her remarks, Minister Babalanda thanked President Museveni for the financial assistance extended to Kwagala during her illness, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and concern for the welfare of Ugandans.
She also paid tribute to the former legislator for her service and leadership, extending condolences to her family, relatives, friends and the people of Iganga District.
Babalanda prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family as they came to terms with the loss.
Drawing from the Bible, she cited Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
She encouraged the family to find strength in God’s promises, noting that Kwagala’s contribution to public service would remain part of the legacy she leaves behind.
The funeral service brought together family members, political leaders, friends and other mourners to celebrate the life of a former legislator whose service to her community and country was recognised in the President’s tribute.
May the soul of Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala rest in eternal peace.
