By KT Reporter
Leaders and locals in West Nile are mourning the passing of Mzee Donato Amabua, the former Arua District LC V chairperson, who died at his home in Ediofe, Arua City, after a period of ill health. Amabua served as the second LC 5 chairman of Arua District—which at the time included Vurra, Madi Okollo, Ayivu, Terego, Maracha, Koboko, and Yumbe—from 1990 to 1997, before handing over the seat to Alex Jurua.
Born in Terego, Mzee Amabua began his career as a primary school teacher and later became head teacher at Ndirea Primary School. He was subsequently appointed County Chief of Terego in the 1970s, where his strong track record and dedication earned him widespread respect.
Owing to his exemplary service, Amabua was encouraged by the people to contest for the LC 5 chairperson seat of the then Greater Arua District. He won overwhelmingly against Charles Awuyo, the first LC 5 chairman, who conceded early, allowing Donato to assume the role unopposed.
Richard Andama Ferua, a close friend of Mzee Donato and the fourth former LC chairman of Arua District, described him as a man of zeal and integrity throughout his tenure. “We have lost an icon of integrity in our region, and his unique and clean leadership will be remembered forever in West Nile and beyond,” Ferua said.
Professor Charles Anguma Katrini, Vice Chancellor of Muni University, praised Amabua’s legacy, saying he consistently put the service of people above personal gain. “If there is any leader in West Nile with clean hands, it’s Donato. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Professor Anguma said. Fadhil Lemeriga, Prime Minister for Aringa Kingdom, described the late Donato Amabua as a leader who embraced truthfulness and selflessly offered blessings to all leaders who came after him.
Davis Munguci, a West Niler in the diaspora, said: “I have learnt with sadness and a heavy heart of the passing of my former head teacher of Ndirea Primary School, County Chief, and Chairman of Arua District. He leaves behind a rich legacy in education and local administration.”
Mzee Amabua is survived by more than ten siblings and several grandchildren. He will be buried in Terego District over the weekend, with dozens of mourners expected to attend from within West Nile and beyond.
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