Former Woman Member of Parliament (MP) for Koboko, Margaret Baba Diri, has passed away, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service and advocacy. Her death was announced on Thursday in Parliament by Koboko County MP James Boliba Baba. Initial reports suggest that she passed away while being transported to the hospital, though the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.
Born on June 29, 1954, Baba Diri was a trailblazer whose career spanned education, disability advocacy, and politics. Her contributions touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on her community and the nation.
Baba Diri spent much of her life championing the rights of marginalized groups. Starting as a teacher at St. Charles Lwanga in Koboko from 1976 to 1990, she dedicated her early career to shaping young minds and fostering community development. Her transition to advocacy began in 1992 when she became a gender development officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU). In this role, she worked tirelessly to advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, a cause that remained central to her work.
In 1996, Baba Diri’s advocacy earned her a seat in Parliament, representing persons with disabilities. Her work in this capacity focused on inclusivity and addressing challenges faced by disabled individuals in Uganda. Later, as the Woman MP for Koboko, she used her platform to advocate for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, emphasizing healthcare, education, and economic empowerment in her constituency.
Her tenure in Parliament was not without challenges. In the 2021 elections, Baba Diri lost her seat to Dr. Sharifa Aate, granddaughter of former President Idi Amin. However, her contributions to Uganda’s political and social landscape remained significant.
Beyond her political career, Baba Diri was a strong proponent of education. She earned a Diploma in Education from the National Teachers College Kyambogo and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education from Kyambogo University. Her academic achievements highlighted her belief in the transformative power of education, both for personal growth and community development.
