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The Teso region is in mourning following the passing of Canon Muriel Akabwai, the beloved wife of Uganda’s first Electoral Commission chairman, Mzee Stephen Besweri Akabwai. Muriel, an Anglican lay canon, breathed her last at a private clinic in Kampala after a valiant battle with cancer that spanned over three years. Reflecting on his wife’s journey, Mzee Akabwai expressed his grief, stating, “My friend has rested. She has rested from the pain that she endured for three years.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Mzee Akabwai shared the depth of his sorrow, recounting the efforts made to provide his wife with the best possible treatment in the hope of extending her life. Despite his efforts, he acknowledged the inscrutable ways of God and surrendered to the inevitability of her passing. The couple, who exchanged vows in 1968 at St. Philip Cathedral Ngora, shared a bond that endured the test of time until Muriel’s passing on February 28th.
Muriel Akabwai, born on February 2nd, 1945, dedicated her life to education, serving as a primary school teacher before her retirement. She also held the esteemed position of Mothers Union President in the Anglican Diocese of Soroti, leaving a lasting impact on her community. The couple, blessed with six children, instilled values of discipline and hard work in their family, shaping the lives of their offspring.
Reflecting on his mother’s legacy, one of Muriel’s sons, Ocule, described her as a disciplinarian and an educator who imparted invaluable lessons on perseverance and diligence. Ngora district woman MP, Stella Isodo, echoed these sentiments, praising Mama Muriel as a respected advisor within the community, known for her devotion to the church and commitment to empowering women.
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Following his retirement from the Electoral Commission, Mzee Akabwai and his wife settled in their ancestral village of Kaderun, Atoot sub-county in Ngora district, where they lived a modest life away from the public eye. Despite their seclusion, their influence extended beyond their immediate surroundings, with Muriel’s wisdom and guidance leaving an indelible mark on those she encountered.
In addition to his contributions to the electoral process, Mzee Akabwai was honored by then paramount chief of Iteso, Augustine Osuban, as a member of the harmonization committee in the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU).
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