Museveni mourns "hardworking" former MP Baba Diri

Presidentย 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.
Baba Diri died on January, 9in Kawempe, Kampala having served in parliamentย for 25 years .
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In his eulogy, delivered by the Vice President Jessica Alupo to thousands of mourners in Koboka district , Museveni said the country shall remain indebted to Babadiri for her invaluable contributions and services she rendered during her tenure of service on various committees of Parliament.
โDeath has robbed the family of a pillar and indeed, the entire nation of a very hardworking citizen, educator, social worker, politician and activist,โย Museveni said.
Baba Diri also served as a gender development officer at National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU).
Museveni said that she will be remembered for her resilience.
โDespite 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,โ Museveni eulogised.
He said herย 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.
โThey are centered on the right to life, dignity, equal rights, non-discrimination and affirmative action to vulnerable persons,โ 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 Diriโs contribution and dedicated service will always be cherished.
โShe will be remembered for her love for girl-child education and women emancipation,โ he said.
He appreciated the people of West Nile for the support they have always accorded him throughย 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 Babadiriโs caliber and vision adding that she has left a rich legacy as an honest selfless hardworking leader, a pan Africanist and an advocate.
Vice president Alupo described Baba Diri as a friend to all.
โWhen 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 mentoredโ 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.
The Vice President 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 said they will miss Baba Diriโs words of advice, consolation and encouragement as a fraternity of people with disabilities.
โBaba 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,โ 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.