President Museveni offered heartfelt condolences and praised Laurence Okoth, the late father of former Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth-Ochola, for his role in fostering unity between the Iteso and Japadhola communities in Tororo District. The 95-year-old patriarch, who passed away last week, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Abwel Village, Mulanda Sub-county, Tororo District, during a solemn ceremony on Saturday.
In a message conveyed to mourners by the Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Jacob Oboth Oboth, President Museveni lamented the loss of a revered figure, emphasizing Okoth’s dedication to unity and his invaluable support for economic development initiatives. He hailed the departed elder as a beacon of wisdom and an influential contributor to the nation’s progress, expressing profound respect for Okoth’s guidance, which will be sorely missed.
President Museveni underscored the significance of government programs aimed at enhancing the welfare of Tororo District residents, urging local leaders to prioritize the mobilization of communities to embrace these initiatives. He admonished against tribal conflicts, stressing that such divisions only serve to undermine progress and prosperity, while emphasizing the imperative of peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups across the nation.
Acknowledging the late Okoth’s remarkable service to the nation, Minister Oboth praised his instrumental role in facilitating the recruitment of numerous individuals from Tororo into the Uganda Railways Corporation. He extended gratitude to President Museveni for appointing Martins Okoth-Ochola as Inspector General of Police, expressing pride in the government’s recognition of Tororo’s contributions.
The government provided financial assistance of Shs30 million to the bereaved family to cover funeral expenses, honoring the memory of Okoth as a loyal and dedicated public servant. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Minister of State for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi, Acting Inspector General of Police Tumusiime Katsigazi, and Members of Parliament from Tororo District, including Tororo Woman MP Sarah Achieng Opendi, who joined in paying their respects to the departed patriarch.
