Minister Engola Laid To Rest, Hailed As Peacemaker

The late Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola ‘Macodwogo’, who was the Minister of State for Labour Employment and

Industrial Relations has today been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Awangi village, Iceme sub-county, Oyam.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a message that was read by the Vice President of Uganda H.E Maj (Rtd) Jesca Alupo said the deceased has been a hard-working man and serious leader who would ensure that what he started would be accomplished.

He described the deceased as a “lion” whom he first saw in 1986 when he was manning an artillery gun of 14mm and he was a fearless soldier as he managed to play a role in the restoration of peace in areas affected by LRA rebels.

The Lango Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Alfred Olwa called upon mourners to let God provide justice and urged the clan to focus on reconciliation.

The Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo appealed to the government to expedite investigations and urged the people of Lango to emulate the late who he described as a hardworking person in agricultural activities, peacemaker in the region, and developer.

Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Labor Gender and Social Development told mourners that the President had urged the UPDF to take full responsibility and compensate the late’s clan (matoput function)

The Commander Land Force, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbadi hailed the late as a revolutionary and said that the UPDF condemns the barbaric act. He further said that the late served with his passion and discipline and his work in stabilizing South Sudan was dependable.

Hon. Tony Ayo the Member of Parliament of Kwania County asked the government and President to consider Sam Engloa Okello Junior to represent the people of Oyam North County in Parliament. “The position that we hold is provided by the law that’s why we know that we shall die and the government should not leave people of Oyam north without being represented in the Parliament.”

The brother to the late, Mr. Sam Engola told mourners that they have lost a hero, a warrior and brave man. He thanked the mourners, members of Parliament, ministers, all people from different clans, political affiliations and well-wishers who have been with the family through the trying time.