By Richard Onapatum
NWOYA DISTRICT: President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his efforts to continue defending and protecting the African people in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
Mr. Museveni said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) shall continue to stand on the pillars of Patriotism and Pan-Africanism because they (UPDF) have a historical mandate to defend the legitimate interests of the people of Uganda and Africa.
Mr. Museveni further said anyone that undermines the aspirations of our people, by sowing division, on the basis of tribes, religion, gender, etc., is our arch-enemy.
“It is, therefore, our duty, to fight and defeat, the bankrupt groups, that attempt to propagate the anti-people agenda, on the African soil,” he said.
The president made the remarks in a speech delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at the burial of Major Patrick Opiyo Awany in Tangi village, Nwoya district today.
Opiyo, a young brother to Gen. Charles Otema and the NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon Richard Todwong was killed by the Al Shabaab terrorists, in Somalia in the village of Ceel-Werigow, about 70km southwest of the capital Mogadishu. By the time of his death, he was the convoy Commander.
The president explained that the pro-people ideology of the UPDF has managed to usher peace, stability, unity, development and socio-economic transformation, in Uganda and other parts of Africa.
He commiserated with the UPDF fraternity for losing a comrade and fighter.
Mr. Museveni saluted Major Opiyo, for his contribution to defending the legitimate interests of our people. “He will be remembered for his courage and commitment, to his Country and the African continent,” Mr. Museveni eulogized.
He noted that the most befitting tribute and honor to his legacy, is for all the pro-people forces to continue championing the ideals, for which he died.
The president finally offered his prayers to family, during this hour of grief. “Your son may have departed from your midst, but the fruits of his work will remain and benefit future generations,” he said.
He asked all the patriots to be proud of the legacy left by Major Opiyo. “He led a life of service to his motherland; and all patriots must be proud of his legacy and emulate his wonderful example,” he appealed.
In her words, the Vice President and Woman MP for Katakwi district Major (Rtd) Alupo has mourned the passing of Major Opiyo and described him as a brave soldier.
She said the fallen soldier made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
“Opiyo’s selfless dedication to promoting peace and stability will never be forgotten. He will be dearly missed by not only his family, but also Uganda, East African region and the whole of Africa,” she said.
VP Alupo condoled with Rt. Hon. Tadwong, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, the Commander of the UPDF’s Reserve Force, the Uganda People’s defence Forces fraternity, the family and friends of the fallen gallant soldier and all Ugandans.
Main celebrant Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Arua diocese described the late Awany as a God fearing soldier who sacrificed his life to bring about everlasting peace to the people of Somalia.
“He was a God fearing man who lived according to God’s will. He loved his family. Very hardworking and committed soldier who died in the line of duty. May his humble soul rest in eternal peace,” the Bishop said.
Last week, President Museveni posthumously promoted Maj Patrick Opio Awany, to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was among the soldiers at the rank of Major who were promoted to lieutenant colonel on Wednesday.
The NRM Secretary General Todwong noted that as a family they’re both nationalistic and patriotic, who love their country.
He told mourners that when the NRM government came to power in 1986, their father sat them down as children and asked them to work with the government because they were already working with their elder brother Gen. Otema and they were not killing people. He said that was how they joined NRA\NRM.
“As other people were still struggling to understand NRA\NRM, for us we were already working with it and that was our foundation,” Todwong said to applause of the mourners.
He said his fallen brother, Major Opiyo was a very strong man and passionate about family matters. “He always called me from Somalia and our conversation was all about school fees for the children,” Todwong said.
Gen. Otema told mourners that it was very unfortunate for him to see off his young brother for whom he has been a role-model. “I thought the time is up for me to retire and allow my brother to continue with the service but the Lord has decided to take him,” an emotional Otema said.
He thanked the vice president for finding time to condole with their family despite her busy schedule. He asked her to convey a message of appreciation to president Museveni for the trust he has put their family.
Jennifer Opiyo told mourners that her late husband was a loving person who loved his family with passion.
“My sweetheart was so hardworking, kind, caring, peace lover and maker and committed to his work,” she said to the applause of the mourners who included Army Generals, politicians and civil servants from across the country.
BIOGRAPHY
Opiyo joined the UPDF as a cadet officer in 2001 and was later commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in 2002.
As a soldier he took on several courses of Badibadi (Nakasongola), platoon commander, instruction, Logistics/Engineering, Armory and Company Commander.
In 2012, he attained the senior command and Staff course from Gadafi (Jinja), he also trained in peace and conflict resolution in 2018.
Opiyo who in 2007 attained a bachelors’ degree in Public Administration and Management was also awarded the Amison Medal by the African Union mission in Somalia. He’s survived by ten children.
