Deep sorrow has engulfed Iganga District, the Busoga sub-region and the nation at large following the passing of National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadre and former Iganga District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Olivia Kwagala Kabaale, affectionately known by her supporters as “Muliro Mulege”.
Hon. Kwagala passed away on November 2, 2026, after a long battle with cancer, according to reports circulating in local media and on social media platforms.
Born on June 16, 1969, in Busoga, Kwagala built her political career and public service record in Iganga District, which she represented in the 9th Parliament of Uganda (2011–2016).
Throughout her career, she maintained residences in both Iganga and Kampala.
According to reports, at the time of her passing, she had no husband or biological children.
Hon. Kwagala was widely recognised for her academic qualifications and contributions to parliamentary debate.
She obtained a Master’s degree in Sexual and Reproductive Health in Africa from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC). She also held a Bachelor’s degree in Ethics and Human Rights from Makerere University, following an earlier degree she obtained from the same university in 2010.
She completed her A-Level education at Maryhill High School in Mbarara, O-Level education at Iganga Secondary School and her Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) at St. Patrick Kigulu Girls’ School in Iganga.
During her tenure in the 9th Parliament, Hon. Kwagala served on several key parliamentary committees.
On the Committee on Education and Sports, she advocated for teachers’ welfare and championed policies aimed at directing funds towards teachers’ SACCO networks.
She also served on the Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development, where she focused on social development initiatives and women’s empowerment.
In 2015, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, appointed her to a six-member select committee tasked with investigating the alleged illegal takeover of land belonging to Nabagereka Primary School and other public schools in Kampala.
Tributes have poured in from local leaders and community members, who have praised her transparency, integrity and dedication to ordinary citizens.
Paying tribute to the late MP, Abudula Razaka Musungule described her as an honest and transparent politician who remained committed to the people of Iganga.
“Hon. Olivia Kwagala Kabaale was a rare politician—completely transparent, honest and real. She never hid behind political spin. She stood firmly with the local people of Iganga and ensured our concerns were addressed with complete honesty,” he said.
Namulinda Lillian also paid tribute to Kwagala’s strong grassroots presence.
“Muliro Mulege lived up to her name through her relentless drive. She was authentic and transparent in all her engagements, always remaining on the ground alongside the everyday citizen. Iganga has lost a true advocate who always stood with her people,” she said.
Burial and memorial service arrangements will be announced by the family and local leadership.
