By KT Reporter
Karamoja is mourning Elder Cornelius Kodet Lorika, a trailblazing businessman and philanthropist whose work helped shape the region’s economic foundation. Kodet passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at his home in Entebbe at the age of 82. Regarded as the first businessman in the Karamoja sub-region, Kodet’s enterprises—including Mt. Moroto Hotel in Moroto, Aero Beach in Entebbe, and Naturum Lodge in Karenga—boosted tourism, created jobs, and opened up economic opportunities for many.
He inspired generations of young entrepreneurs and invested heavily in the region’s development. His vision for Karamoja was clear. He donated land for a cement factory, introduced mechanized farming in Namalu, and championed the upgrading of Kidepo Airstrip into the planned Karamoja Airport. His philanthropy and passion for community upliftment leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the region for years.
Elder Jackson Angella from Moroto district shared memories of Kodet’s early life. After completing Junior Secondary, Kodet joined his family in business, contributing cows that kick-started their trading activities in Nabilatuk. Angella recalled that before entering business fully, Kodet briefly anchored news on Radio Uganda and later attempted to join Parliament in 1961 under the Democratic Party, though unsuccessfully.
Angella recounted Kodet’s journey through several ventures—working at Uganda Meat Packers in Soroti, studying meat packaging in Dar es Salaam, engaging in livestock trade, running a clothing business in Mbale, importing merchandise, and supplying the Ministry of Defence with construction materials. Over time, his efforts made him a multimillionaire.
He later established a farm in Namalu and another in Nkumba, Masindi district, although both faced setbacks during the liberation war and due to cattle rustlers. After peace gradually returned, he revived the Namalu farm and handed it over to his son. Angella described Kodet as a hardworking man who preferred job creation to politics, building businesses that employed many across the region.
Paul Abul, Secretary of the Karamoja Elders Association, described the late Kodet as a constructive and disciplined businessman. He said Kodet led many into cattle trading and constantly advised the Karamojong to abandon cattle rustling and embrace legitimate business.
Association Chairperson Simon Peter Nangiro said Kodet introduced modern butcheries in Karamoja and extended them to districts like Mbale. He also imported macarons from Somalia and supplied them to the military during Idi Amin’s regime. Nangiro described him as one of the greatest businessmen in the region—open with advice and committed to encouraging investment over dependency.
Dr. Mark Ilukol from Napak district said Kodet was the first to establish a ranching farm in Karamoja, demonstrating that livestock could be kept in one place rather than moved around. He said this model is particularly relevant today as land pressures increase. Ilukol described him as a pioneer who spent his entire life in enterprise development, shaping the region’s business landscape.
Born in 1939, Elder Kodet leaves behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and economic transformation. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala, at 9:00 am, followed by a vigil at his Entebbe home near Nsamizi Army Primary School. On Thursday, the body will be taken to his residence in Mbale, and on Friday to his ancestral home in Lomorungai village, Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit district, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
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