By Spy Uganda
HE.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that he will be the chief mourner at the official funeral of His Highness Emorimor Papa Iteso, Augustine Osuban Lemukol at Kololo on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at 9am.
This has been confirmed by the President’s Assistant Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda who has this afternoon tweeted that President will on same venue preside over Janan Luwum Day on 16th February 2022.
”H.E @KagutaMuseveni will be the Chief Mourner at the official funeral of Emorimor at Kololo on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at 9am. Then on Wednesday, Feb. 16, he will preside over Janan Luwum Day at the same venue, same time,” tweeted Kirunda.
Lawmakers this week praised the late cultural leader, His Highness Emorimor, as an icon of unity in Teso and Uganda.
In a special sitting to pay tribute to Emorimor Osuban Lemukol, the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja moved a motion urging Parliament to recognise and appreciate the contribution and service that Emorimor Osuban Lemukol rendered to the people of Teso sub-region and Uganda.
Nabbanja said that Emorimor Osuban Lemukol was an advocate for peace and stability, who played a key role working with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Arrow Boys Auxiliary Force to defeat the Lord’s Resistance Army in the Teso sub-region.
“Emorimor Osuban Lemukol used his position as the lteso cultural leader to advocate for and promote moral and cultural values, unity and embracing government programmes amongst the lteso community,” said Nabbanja.
The motion was later amended as moved by Hon Cecilia Ogwal, urging government to revive the Serere Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) in memory of Emorimor Osuban Lemukol who played an important role in the agriculture sector in the country.
The amendment which was unanimously adopted also urged government to fast track building of the official palace of Teso in memory of the Emorimor Osuban Lemukol.
“The Emorimor was not an ordinary person. He dedicated his life to ensure improved quality of agriculture production. It is disheartening that SARI is no longer vibrant,” Ogwal said.
The Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah, in his message read by the Deputy Speaker described Emorimor Osuban Lemukol as a pillar of peace and a library of wisdom.
“The people of Teso are mourning, the nation is mourning and most of all, a kind-hearted leader. He will be remembered for his contribution towards a peaceful and prosperous people,” the message read.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon Mathias Mpuuga, said that he attended several meetings in which the late cultural leader participated and he attests to his humility and intellect.
“During our turbulent times whose hallmark is characterised by oppression, disappearance of citizens, and abductions because we disagree, the fallen statesman never wanted to be associated with such vices. He led his community back to unity and stability in times of strife.
He added that Emorimor Osuban Lemukol’s efforts to advocate for peace deserve to be pursued.
The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, said Emorimor Osuban Lemukol understood the advantage of culture and that is why he was elected unopposed and served for 23 years.
“He knew that a cultural leader was never supposed to involve himself in controversy but rather focus on ensuring that his people benefit from government programs,” said Alupo.
Emorimor Osuban Lemukol died on 5 February 2022 at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
He was born in 1934 and was enthroned in April 2000. He served as Commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry until his retirement in 1979.
He also served on several boards including Kinyara Sugar Works, Uganda Tea Growers Corporation, Produce Marketing Board and Uganda Medical Stores from 1989 to 1998.
