President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the passing of former Woman Member of Parliament for Koboko District, Margaret Baba Diri, describing her as a hardworking and dedicated leader.
Baba Diri passed away on January 9 in Kawempe, Kampala, after serving in Uganda’s Parliament for 25 years.
In a eulogy delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo to mourners in Koboko District, Museveni praised Baba Diri’s invaluable contributions, saying the country remains indebted to her service on various parliamentary committees.
“Death has robbed the family of a pillar and, indeed, the entire nation of a hardworking citizen, educator, social worker, politician, and activist,” Museveni said.
A champion for the disabled community
Baba Diri also served as a gender development officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and was known for her relentless advocacy for persons with disabilities.
Museveni acknowledged her resilience, stating that despite her disability, she defied the odds to represent the women of Koboko and the disabled community in Parliament.
“She was a steadfast advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and played a key role in advancing opportunities for them in Uganda,” Museveni added.
On behalf of the NRM government, the president extended his heartfelt condolences to Baba Diri’s family, Parliament, and the people of West Nile, describing her death as a significant loss to Uganda.
He reminded mourners that human rights and freedoms are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution and should be upheld for all citizens, regardless of their circumstances.
“They centre on the right to life, dignity, equal rights, non-discrimination, and affirmative action for vulnerable persons,” he stated.
Museveni also urged stakeholders to prioritise government services for persons with disabilities, saying they face immense challenges in life.
“There is no way we can break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable livelihoods without addressing disability and ensuring their full participation in development,” he emphasised.
A legacy of women’s empowerment
Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to empowering women, calling it essential for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
At Our Lady of Fatima Koboko Catholic Parish, where mourners gathered, the president described Baba Diri as a champion for girl-child education and women’s emancipation.
He also thanked the people of West Nile for their continued support of his leadership and urged them to back government programmes for national progress.
“Baba Diri was a selfless, hardworking leader, a Pan-Africanist, and an advocate for the marginalised. She has left behind a rich legacy,” Museveni concluded.
Tributes from leaders
Vice President Jessica Alupo described Baba Diri as a mentor and friend.
“When I was Minister for Youth Affairs, I was relatively young compared to Baba Diri, but she guided me on how to navigate politics. She was a mentor to many of us,” Alupo said.
She praised Baba Diri’s impact on young women, noting that those who followed her advice upheld integrity, decency, and a strong commitment to their communities.
Minister Hellen Asamo echoed similar sentiments, remembering Baba Diri for her words of wisdom, encouragement, and love.
“She played a key role in securing Koboko’s first tarmacked road, municipality status, and a modern market,” Asamo said.
She also commended President Museveni for fostering an inclusive government that enabled Baba Diri and other persons with disabilities to serve the country.
Meanwhile, Rt. Rev. Sabino Odoki, Bishop of Arua Catholic Diocese, urged Baba Diri’s family to remain united in honour of her legacy.
As part of the government’s ongoing development efforts in West Nile, Alupo assured residents that plans are underway to rehabilitate and reconstruct the region’s roads, which are in poor condition.
Baba Diri is remembered as a trailblazer, a voice for the vulnerable, and a leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.