Pallisa, (UG):- The Bishop emeritus of Bukedi Diocese Dr Okile Nicodemus Engwalas has asked Agule County MP hopeful Mr Herbert Okello Okudel who lost his wife in a tragedic accident in 2007 to compose himself and ask God to identify him a suitable partner.
Dr. Okile made the appeal while presiding over the Thanksgiving ceremony held Saturday, December 07, at Agurur village, Akisim sub-county in Pallisa district.
In his sermon, the Bishop said the vow Mr Okello took to suspend getting another wife after the death of apolot who was senior assistant secretary until his children attain better education should come to an end and look for a suitable partner for his marriage status.
“My joy is that God helped to bring up your children single-handedly but now that we celebrate their achievements in education and they are no longer young I request you to marry. And I also ask the children to respect the decision their father will take and recognize his choice as their foster mother,” Dr. Okile urged.
The ex-Bishop further appreciated Mr Okello for being courteous as he took it upon himself not only to educate his children but also to extend his hand to other children who are not even related to him which is rare in society.
The ceremony was graced by the Iteso Cultural Union Paramount Chief Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot who was in the company of the Iteso Cultural Union speaker, a number of RDCs, and a section of his ministers.
Other classified guests in attendance were incumbent members of parliament for Kibale and Agule county Hon. Oseku Richard and Hon. David Ochwa respectively.
The RDCs in the house included Mr Okurut John Micheal (Butebo) former LC5 of Pallisa, Mr Magid Dhikusooka (Pallisa) and Mrs Ibaseret Josephine (Namusindwa)), Dr Nakelet Opolot commissioner in the ministry of Agriculture, industry and Fisheries, Mr Duchu Patrick of Pallisa, Mr Byenkwaso Fred the CAO (Pallisa), former MPs Hon. Mukula Francis (Agule) and Hon. Lious Opange (Pallisa).
During the function, Mr Okello and his family re-echoed the memorial foundation achievements Apolot Joyce Mary laid to their family and Thanksgiving the children and his education.
However, Emmanuel Olebo the event manager being renowned MC recognized the presence of DailyExpress reporter who is marketing and disseminating the importance of education, especially the girls.
Olebo openly conveyed a tribute to DailyExpress for its community service saying; “I am aware some people who don’t know the value of education-related social functions misled ‘our daughter’ to prefer charges on DailyExpress which is wrong.”
“This specifically portrays Omatakojo community in Kibale county. The press has freedom of information as in article 29 and it’s free to act independently as in article 40,” he stressed.
Mr Eric Ogoso Opolot on behalf of the organizing committee said he was overwhelmed by the manner the activities in the function progressively flowed.
“We had initially planned for 4,000 but we were surprised that people exceeded 7,000 which is a significant indicator that people and in solidarity with our family. good enough we had budgeted adequately in consideration of contingencies “, Mr Okia John, DCAO Pallisa who is brother to Okudel said.
Okello who has intentions to contest for Agule county thanked people for honouring his invitation. He said he couldn’t organize for funeral rites of his lovely wife immediately after her death in 2007 but calmed down until his children graduated.
Speaking in an exclusive private interview with DailyExpress, Mr Okudel revealed that it is true he will contest for an apolitical position but said he is a law-abiding citizen, he can’t violate the constitution is going to uphold by campaigning outside the brackets. “The People of Agule are wise and are watching all of us”, he said.
Mr Okello and family handed 70 maroon iron sheets to the Bishop Emeritus Dr Okile and the clergy led by Rev Okiror Charles the diocesan secretary of Bukedi diocese for the roofing of Okisiran-Agurur Church of Uganda.
“My wife was a devoted Christian and sports lover that is why we organized a tournament which is going to be on annually”, I would also like to recognize all in individuals families and institutions that gave a humble contribution”, Okudel remarked.
His Highness Emorimor Sande Emolot lauded all the Ateker people who went to Soroti for the Reunion Festival, which was held from November 27 to 29, 2024. The Emorimor lauded having Uganda under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for recognizing cultural institutions.
Focusing on the function, Emorimor said fostering cultural norms should be taken as Ateker identity which starts from love of speaking and eating clan cultural dudhesy.
The Emorimor thanked Okudel for completely recognizing cultural leadership and making his friends from other lovely ethnicities in Uganda to realize the unity advocated in Teso.
He said the festival at Soroti was aimed to unite Ateker communities from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan in a celebration of shared heritage and regional unity.
The event featured cultural performances, exhibitions, traditional games, and dialogues on selected topical issues. It was a significant event, with over 10,000 attendees expected, and was supported by the Ugandan government with a financial contribution of UGX 2.3 billion.
“This is the best function you have done to your wife in Ateso you know the memorial function is called ‘asuban’ he said.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
