KOBOKO: President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the passing of former Woman Member of Parliament for Koboko district Margaret Baba Diri saying the nation has lost a very hardworking citizen.
In his eulogy, delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo to thousands of mourners in Koboka district today, Museveni said the country shall remain indebted to Baba Diri for her invaluable contributions and services she rendered during her tenure of service on various Committees of Parliament.
“Death has robbed the family of a pillar and indeed, the entire nation of a very hardworking citizen, educator, social worker, politician and activist,” president Museveni said.
Baba Diri also served as a gender development officer at National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU). Museveni further said that Baba Diri will be remembered for her resilience.
“Despite her disability and limitation, she beat all odds to represent the women of Koboko and persons with disabilities. She was a steadfast advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and was instrumental in efforts to improve opportunities for disabled individuals in Uganda,” Museveni eulogized.
On behalf of the National Resistance Movement, the entire nation and that of his own, the president conveyed most sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, the parliament of Uganda, the entire nation and the people of West Nile upon this sad loss.
He said Baba Diri’s passing is a significant loss to the nation, particularly to the constituents of Koboko District and the disability community, whom she represented with unwavering commitment.
He told mourners that human rights and freedoms for all are well defined and enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda adding that these rights are due to every citizen in Uganda irrespective of any other consideration.
“They are cantered on the right to life, dignity, equal rights, non-discrimination and affirmative action to vulnerable persons,” he said.
Museveni called upon all stakeholders to continue the special consideration in the provision of Government services to persons with disabilities saying they face daunting odds against succeeding in life.
He stressed that people with disabilities are part of our society and there is no way we can break off from the vicious circle of poverty and achieve sustainable livelihoods without reducing the impact of disability and enabling them to participate effectively in the development process.
The president emphasized that the NRM government is committed to total empowerment of women as a necessary synergy for the socio-economic transformation of our country.
He assured mourners who gathered at Our lady of Fatima Koboko Catholic Paris that Baba Diri’s contribution and dedicated service will always be cherished. “She will be remembered for her love for girl-child education and women emancipation,” he said.
Museveni informed mourners that our nation has been privileged to associate and work with such a resourceful person of Baba Diri’s calibre and vision adding that she has left a rich legacy as an honest selfless hardworking leader, a pan Africanist and an advocate. The president finally thanked God for the life Baba Diri has shared with us.
Vice president Alupo described Baba Diri as a friend to all. “When I was a minister for youth Affairs, I was relatively young compared to Baba Diri but she would counsel me on how to manage the versatile terrain of politics. Therefore, I was privileged to among the people she mentored” Alupo said.
She emphasized that those who listened to her advice, especially the girl children have always traded the right line of zero tolerance to corruption, integrity, decency and discipline but most importantly the line of ultimate passion to the needs of the community.
She thanked the late for molding her as a politician describing her as a vocal person in parliament. She asked the children to relation together as friends as they continue to celebrate her life.
She told the people of West Nile that plans are underway to rehabilitate and reconstruct their roads as they are in deplorable states.
Main Celebrant Rt. Rev. Sabino Odoki, Bishop of Arua Catholic Diocese, asked the family of the late Baba Diri to remain united saying their mother wished everyone well therefore they should strive to keep with her legacy.
Minister Hellen Asamo in her tribute, said they will miss Baba Diri’s words of advice, consolation and encouragement as a fraternity of people with disabilities.
“Baba Diri preached messages of love and unity. It is because of her that Koboko got its first tarmacked road, the municipality and a state-of-the-art market,” Asamo said.
She thanked president Museveni for his all-inclusive government which has given platform to Baba Diri and many PWDs to serve their country with diligence.
