By KT Reporter
The former officer in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), Rtd. Col. Tony Ogwal Otoa has been laid to rest.
Otoa who was also an officer in charge ammunitions 21C COD Magamaga and Garrison commander- Gadaffi barracks in Jinja died last month at his home in Boke ward, Lira City East Division.
Former Premier and Senior Presidential Advisor, Ruhakana Rugunda represented President Museveni at the burial
In his message, President Museveni described Otoa as a patriot whose legacy is admired and should be upheld.
Brig. Gen. Sam Omara, the cantonment commander of Kawaweta, delivered a message from the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba who attributed the stability in Uganda to the efforts of Otoa and his colleagues.
In his own words, Omara acknowledged Otoa’s contributions to the UPDF saying he mentored many young people into the army.
Tony Otoa Jr. who spoke on behalf of the family described his father as a freedom fighter for the whole nation. He implored the politicians in the area to follow in his father’s footsteps.
During his homily, Fr. Innocent Valente Opio, the Vicar General of Lira Diocese described the late Otoa as a peace lover was death should bring peace in Lango.
In 1994, Otoa joined Jinja politics, contesting against then-Minister Henry Kyemba for a Constituent Assembly seat representing Jinja West. Having lost the seat to Kyemba, President Yoweri Museveni nominated him to represent the UPDF in the Sixth Parliament.
He honorably retired from active service on 31st January 2005 and returned to Lango where was later appointed Chairperson of the Lira District Service Commission.
At the time of his death, he was the Awitong (clan chief) of Abwor clan and senior advisor to Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Won- nyaci (Paramount Chief) Lango cultural Institution (LCI).
From 2011 to 2013, Otoa served as the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) under Muzee Yosam Odur Ebii, the Won-nyaci) Paramount Chief).
He is survived by a widow and 10 children-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
