President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday joined the people of Acholi Sub-Region in Northern Uganda to pay tribute to former President, General Tito Okello Lutwa, who he described as a man who used to work for consensus and harmony.
“Mzee Okello used to work for consensus and harmony. He was my very good friend, older like my father and we had a very good working relationship although we were on different sides and groups. We always talked nicely at each other, our families and our children were always together,” he said.
Museveni further disclosed that despite their political differences, he kept a good working relationship with General Okello Lutwa, which he noted, later laid a foundation for the new generation.
“The story of Mzee Okello and myself is a story of never misusing opportunities. I never want to be bad to people. When you don’t do bad things, you are planning for the future; and that is why it was easy for me to link up with Mzee Tito Okello and persuaded him to come back,” he added.
Museveni shares a light moment with late Gen. Okello Lutwa’s family after the service
The President was speaking during a memorial service to celebrate the lifetime contributions of the late Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa at Lapana village, Namukora Parish, Chua East Constituency in Kitgum district.
General Okello Lutwa served as President of Uganda from July 1985-January 26 1986. He died on 3rd June 1996 aged 82 years old.
Museveni who laid a wreath on the grave of late Gen. Okello Lutwa in honor of his memory and contributions to the people of Uganda, also saluted State Minister for International Affairs, Hon. Henry Okello Oryem who is son of late Gen. Okello Lutwa, for resurrecting the memory of his parents.
He thanked the people of Acholi Sub-Region for working for peace and asked them to continue doing so in partnership with the Movement government to eradicate household poverty.
Mr. Museveni called on the technical as well as political leaders in the country to sensitize the masses against bush burning. He said that the practice has become a habit especially during the dry season. He noted that people should be educated on how to preserve pasture for their animals instead of burning it.
Museveni pays respects to fallen former President as Hon Sam Kuteesa, Hon Okello Oryem’s family looks on
Turning to development, Museveni said the NRM government has already done most of the things in the area especially peace and security as well as infrastructure, among others.
He, therefore, called on the wananchi to embrace the government programme of Operation Wealth Creation to chase poverty out of their homes.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanya, commended President Museveni and the NRM government for the development programs in the Acholi Sub-Region adding that the people of area are ready to work with the Movement government in addressing the remaining challenges facing the area.
Hon. Okello Oryem, State Minister for International Affairs and son to late Gen. Okello Lutwa thanked the President for honoring his late father saying that his presence at the service was a blessing to the entire family and community at large. He also thanked all the people for turning up in large numbers to honor his late father.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, who was the lead religious celebrant prayed for the Okello family and all Ugandans to be peace loving citizens.