By Ouni Jaspher
In February 2025, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Bahinduka Mugarra Martin officially launched the site handover for the construction of the Dokolo Heritage Center, in memory of the two great leaders, Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda and Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, who were captured by British in Kangai Dokolo district in 1899.
During the launch, the Minister took a moment of silence to remember and acknowledge the late Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal’s contributions towards continuous request to government to make the construction come to reality especially when she was in parliament.
He said late Hon. Atim Ogwal was a passionate advocate for the country’s beauty and culture, and Dokolo heritage center project was very dear to her heart.
Lameck Ogwal, a widower who was influenced by the construction that is in progress expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders who made efforts in making the construction come true.
“So it’s our pride as family that late Cecilia Atim Ogwal layed her hands on search a big initiative that will live longer and longer in the history” he said.
Dr. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal the elder daughter of late Cecilia Atim Ogwal said having Dokolo heritage center constructed in the area is a significant development made under NRM government.
She explained that the 15 billion public funding heritage must be overseen by not only the contractors but also district officials among others.
As the construction takes center stage, Dr. Alwoc noted that one of the things that those in power should also be aware of is that Dokolo district has had a significant increase in population that really requires a municipality status.
Alwoc mentioned that late Hon. Atat Celia Ogwal always advocated for a district hospital status especially to her brother, the president, as she referred to, actually agreed to in 2019.
”It is something that we continue to follow up so that we may have a district hospital, we may have this particular heritage center and when we have all these facilities in place, there’s nothing that would be more important towards oversight than having Dokolo municipality” Alwoc Ogwal said.
She adds that Dokolo municipality is also one of the requests that the late honorable Atat Celia Ogwal made to her brother the president Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni before she died.
David Oceka mandated to guide visitors at the site explained the significant development that the project has brought in Agubi cell, Angwenya Ward Kangai town council.
Oceka explained how the place use to look like before the construction starts compared to the current status urging community to of the area to get ready to welcome visitors in various capabilities in Dokolo heritage center.
James Otto Apili, the Dokolo district chairperson commended late Cecilia Atim Ogwal saying she has been instrumental in bringing major investments to Dokolo.
Otto noted that late Atim has tirelessly lobbied for the development of the people in Dokolo and this latest project of constructing Dokolo heritage center is a testament to her efforts.
Apili proudly stated, “This project may be located in Dokolo, but its benefits are national. Anyone who visits the site will see that it combines the traditions of Buganda, Bunyoro, and greater Lango, making it a space for all of our country’s citizens.”
The district chairperson went on to express the warm welcome that the people of Dokolo extend to all visitors.
He said this new development will not only bring in revenue for the town council and district, but also enhance the local community.
The project has already received praise from Apili, who noted the three distinct wings already nearly completion.
Otto enthusiastically stated, “We are grateful for this project and pray that it continues. We, as a district, are committed to its success.
“Apili also announced their intention to invite the President to witness the progress of the project, which he commended the contractor for.
He added, “We have already inspected the work and it is of high quality. We hope that the standard remains consistent until completion.”
The construction of 15 billion Dokolo heritage center was awarded to Rhoi Services limited in the period of one year with the key buildings in the heritage center are; information center, accommodation facilities among others during the first phase of the 8 billion shilling.
