

17 January 2025, 11:25 am
By Ronald Ssemagonja
The president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has mourned the passing of former woman member of parliament for Koboko district Margaret Baba Diri who passed on days ago. The president said that the nation has lost a very hardworking citizen. Baba Diri died last Tuesday on January 09th in Kawempe, Kampala. She had served diligently for 25 years in Uganda’s parliament.
In his eulogy, delivered by the vice president Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo to thousands of mourners in Koboko district, 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.” 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 eulogised.
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 centered 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 the country.
The president 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.
He appreciated the people of West Nile for the support they have always accorded him through the democratic processes they have gone through to date and asked them to continue supporting government for the sustainability of our programmes. Museveni informed mourners that our nation has been privileged to associate and work with such a resourceful person of Baba Diri’s caliber 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 be 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 relate 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 that their mother wished everyone well therefore they should strive to keep on 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 tarmac 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.