By Our reporters
Born and raised in the tranquil village of Olupe, Wera in Amuria District, ILwanu Margaret has emerged as a beacon of hope and change in Uganda. Her journey from a small village to becoming a respected advocate for sickle cell awareness and a proficient human resource manager is nothing short of inspirational.
Mrs Ilwanu laid the foundation for her educational journey at Namagunga Primary School, where she completed her Primary Education in 2002. From there, she continued her academic pursuit at St. Lawrence Horizon Campus for her Senior Secondary education. Her academic excellence paved the way for her admission to Makerere University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Fine Arts, a testament to her dedication and passion for the arts.
In 2013, Mrs Ilwanu embarked on a new chapter of her life when she was crowned Miss Uganda Eastern Region in 2013. This prestigious title, not only brought her fame, but also provided her with a platform to make a tangible impact on society. She dedicated her reign to raising awareness about sickle cell disease, collaborating with various NGOs and government agencies to improve access to healthcare services for affected individuals. Her relentless efforts led to the acquisition of state-of-the-art hospital machinery and subsidized costs for sickle cell testing, ensuring that more Ugandans could receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
Despite her success in the beauty pageant world, Mrs Margaret felt a calling to pursue a career that aligned more closely with her humanitarian values. She transitioned into the corporate world, joining The Brand House as a creative personnel, where she played a pivotal role in developing brand identities and marketing strategies. However, her passion for making a difference in people’s lives led her to further her education in Human Resource Management at Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Armed with her newfound knowledge and skills, Mrs Ilwanu ventured into the field of human resources, taking on the role of Human Resource Manager at West Nile Distilling Company. In this capacity, she demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication, fostering a positive work environment and empowering employees to reach their full potential.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs Ilwanu remains deeply rooted in her community and political beliefs. She proudly identifies with the NRM party ticket for Amuria District Woman MP come 2026, advocating for policies that promote socio-economic development and empower marginalized communities.
Mrs Ilwanu attributes her success to the unwavering support of her parents, Mr. Akabwai Stephen and Mrs. Hellen Beatrice Atai, who instilled in her the values of hard work, compassion, and resilience. Her journey from a humble village to a prominent figure in Ugandan society serves as a testament to the power of determination and the ability to create positive change against all odds.
As Mrs Ilwanu continues to inspire others with her passion and dedication, her story serves as a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle too daunting to overcome. With her unwavering commitment to making a difference, Mrs Ilwanu is truly a force to be reckoned with in Uganda’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
