KAMPALA – The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has delivered a condolence message on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during the funeral service of the late Olivia Kabaale Kwagala, the former Member of Parliament for Iganga District.
The funeral service was held at All Saints Church, Nakasero, in Kampala, bringing together the bereaved family, relatives, friends, political leaders and other mourners to pay their final respects to the former legislator, who died on November 3, 2026.
Kwagala was the daughter of the late John Amulam Kabaale and Florence Kabaale Nansubuga. Her death has been received with deep sorrow by her family, the people of Iganga District, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the country at large.
In his condolence message, delivered by Babalanda, President Museveni expressed sadness over her death and extended his sympathies 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 also prayed that Almighty God would grant the family and all those mourning her passing the strength, courage and fortitude to endure the difficult period of grief.
Reflecting on her life and contribution to the country, Museveni described Kwagala as a patriot whose commitment to public service and national development would remain an inspiration to generations.
He observed that Uganda had lost a young leader in the prime of her life, noting that her record of service, humility and dedication to duty had left a meaningful mark on the country.
“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 also recognised her contribution to national development and her commitment to serving the people, describing her as one of the leaders who had participated in the collective effort to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Uganda.
On the political front, 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 Kwagala was a loyal cadre who still had much to offer her community, district and country had she lived longer. He paid tribute to her contribution to Uganda’s peace, stability and development.
Museveni urged the people of Iganga District and Ugandans at large to preserve and build on the positive legacy she had left behind.
“I urge all the people to carry forward her good works,” he said.
Highlighting her contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, the President acknowledged that the late legislator had made a valuable contribution to the country’s development agenda through her service and commitment.
“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, Museveni used the occasion to encourage Ugandans to take advantage of the prevailing peace, security and improved national infrastructure to pursue 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).
The President urged households to embrace hard work, commitment and productive engagement as practical ways of improving livelihoods, increasing household incomes and contributing to the country’s broader socio-economic transformation.
He also encouraged the bereaved family to find comfort in the knowledge that their departed loved one had lived a meaningful life and made a valuable contribution to her community and country.
Museveni concluded his message by praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he prayed.
In her remarks, Babalanda thanked President Museveni for the financial assistance he extended to Kwagala during her illness, describing the support as a demonstration of compassion and concern for the welfare of Ugandans.
She also paid tribute to the former legislator for her contribution to public service and leadership, while extending her condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the people of Iganga District.
Babalanda prayed that Almighty God would grant the family strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved daughter, and 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 the difficult period, noting that although Kwagala had passed away, her record of service and contribution to society would remain part of her enduring legacy.
The funeral service provided an opportunity for family members, political leaders, government representatives and friends to celebrate the life of the former legislator and reflect on her contribution to her community, political party and the development of Uganda.
May the soul of Hon. Olivia Kabaale Kwagala rest in eternal peace.
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