The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) is mourning the death of Dr. Henry Opiote, a physician and close aide to former President Dr. Apolo Milton Obote. Dr. Opiote passed away on February 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
Dr. Opiote’s life was marked by his commitment to his country and his unwavering support for Dr. Obote. Trained as a medical doctor in Moscow, his nationalistic and Pan-Africanist ideals led him to Tanzania in the late 1970s, where he worked at Muhumbili Government Hospital. During this time, he was involved with Ugandan exiles and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) in the struggle to remove Idi Amin’s regime.
In 1980, Dr. Opiote took leave from his hospital duties to escort Dr. Obote back to Uganda from exile in Tanzania. He became Dr. Obote’s personal physician and aide, a role he fulfilled with exceptional dedication and commitment. He was even entrusted with diplomatic tasks on occasion.
Following the 1985 coup that ousted Dr. Obote, Dr. Opiote played a crucial role in ensuring the former president’s safety and orchestrating his escape to Kenya and later Zambia, where he was granted asylum. During their second exile in Zambia, Dr. Opiote continued to serve as Dr. Obote’s personal physician, remaining informed about global medical, political, and socio-economic developments. From their “State House” in Lusaka, he also provided assistance and hope to Ugandan refugees in camps and offered free medical consultations to the local community.
After Dr. Obote’s death in 2005, Dr. Opiote remained devoted to the Obote family. When multi-party politics were restored in Uganda, he helped rebuild the UPC. He later served as chief aide and personal physician to Mama Miria Kalule Obote, UPC President, until his own passing.
The UPC expressed its gratitude for Dr. Opiote’s service and sacrifice, particularly during challenging times. The party celebrates his illustrious life and work, hoping to emulate his legacy.
Funeral arrangements for Dr. Henry Opiote are as follows:
- Kampala Funeral Service and Vigil: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Mama Miria Obote’s home on Impala Avenue, Kampala, starting at 4:00 PM.
- Journey to Apac: Friday, February 14, 2025, from Kololo to Apac Municipality.
- Apac Vigil: Friday, February 14, 2025, at Baraboce Cell, New Barodong Ward, Aroca Division, Apac Municipality.
- Apac Funeral: Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his ancestral home in Baraboce Cell, Apac Municipality, starting with prayers at 10:00 AM.
Dr. Henry Opiote will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, his dedication to his profession, and his service to the UPC and Uganda. May his soul rest in peace.
