The family of former rebel leader Alice Auma Lakwena is seeking forgiveness from the Acholi people for the lives lost during the rebellion led by Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement, a group that attempted to overthrow the government. This plea for reconciliation comes as preparations are underway for the burial of Lakwena’s father, Severino Okoya Kiberu, scheduled for October 12, 2024, at his home in Owak cell, Laroo-Pece division, Gulu City.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) in Gulu City, Lucy Anek, Lakwena’s sister, acknowledged the discrimination the family had faced from the community, who viewed them as coming from a “wrong family.” However, Anek noted that the government’s efforts to protect the family had helped change the public’s perception, which is now more positive.
Anek expressed gratitude to the President’s Office for providing 15 heifers to the family to boost their household income. The press conference also served to announce the funeral arrangements for Severino Okoya, who passed away at the age of 99 on July 13, 2024, after battling prostate cancer and internal organ failure.
Okoya’s burial, originally delayed due to a legal dispute, will now proceed following a Gulu High Court ruling on October 4, 2024. The court rejected claims made by Okoya’s daughter, Doreen Adokoracah, who sought an injunction to prevent his burial in Bungatira. She alleged that Okoya had been banished from his home in 1993 for allegedly supporting rebel activities and that he had left three wills requesting to be buried on land he purchased in Pabti Unyama sub-county. The court ruled these claims were unfounded and ordered Okoya’s burial to take place at his original home in Owak, where many of his children, including Alice Auma Lakwena, had been laid to rest.
Judge George Okello also ordered that Okoya’s remains, currently held at the UPDF’s 4th Division barracks, be released and buried within ten days of the court ruling. The court further stipulated that Adokoracah and members of the New Jerusalem International Tabernacle Ministry, a church founded by Okoya, be allowed to attend the burial without interfering in the proceedings.
Robinson Kaunda, one of Okoya’s sons, announced that the body will be taken to the family’s home in Owak on October 11. The family estimates that they need 58 million Ugandan shillings to cover the burial expenses, including the construction of the grave, hiring a public address system, feeding approximately 15,000 mourners, and arranging tents and transportation. Kaunda also mentioned that the president had provided financial assistance for the burial, though he did not specify the amount.
Despite Okoya’s decision to leave the Anglican Church and establish the New Jerusalem International Tabernacle Ministry, his family has confirmed that the Anglican Church will preside over his burial service. Godfrey Acaye, the chaplain to Bishop Godfrey Luwum of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, confirmed that the Church was informed about the service and agreed to officiate the mass.
