Calls for unity, reconciliation ring as thousands remember ex-President Obote

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APAC

Calls for unity and reconciliation have dominated as thousands of people celebrated the life of two-time Ugandan President Dr Apollo Milton Obote during a memorial service at his ancestral home in Abeibutu village, Akokoro sub-county, in Apac district.

Obote is regarded as one of the country's founding figures, leading it to independence in 1962.

Thanksgiving prayers on Friday, October 10, 2025,  were attended by Obote's
widow, Mama Miria Kalule Obote, all Members of Parliament from Lango region who subscribe under the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) political party ticket, LC5 chairpersons in Lango and UPC flag-bearers from several parts of the country, among others.

A long queue of vechicles carrying mourners for former Milton Obote's memorial service on Friday. (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

Maama Miria Kalule Obote and Betty Amongi at the memorial service. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

From R-L: UPC Secretary General, Fred Ebil Ebil (White shirt), Gender Minister Betty Amongi, UPC Party president Jimmy Akena, Obote's wife Miria Kalule Obote and Maruzi County MP Maxwell Akora. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

The memorial service held 20 years after Obote's death was led by West Lango Diocese bishop emeritus Alfred Acur Okodi, assisted by Lango Diocese Bishop Emeritus John Charles Odur Kami.

Calls for unity and love

During the memorial service, Kami called for unity and love.

"A Kingdom that is divided, a house that is divided will never stand, it will fall. We need unity, we need to stand together, we need to build one another so that we can grow together. It's painful that we have in-house fights; that is not healthy," he said.

Spirit of reconciliation

The prelate emphasised the need for reconciliation: "I am glad that Jaffa Amin, a son of the late President Idi Amin Dada, is today here with us remembering the late father of the nation, Obote. We went to Koboko for nearly a week, and we went to the home stead of Idi Amin Dada. I am happy that Jaffa Amin came today, and that is the spirit of reconciliation," he said.

Don't let UPC die

Addressing the congregation, Mama Miria Kalule Obote encouraged UPC party leaders to brave through all challenges and keep the party active.

"I am pleased that many people have turned up to remember this day. It was a sad day for our family. It was a sad day for the nation. Members of UPC, please don't let the party die. UPC must always be there despite all the challenges. I thank you for all your support all these years since our late President left us," she said.

Maruzi North County Member of Parliament Nelson Lemba Okello urged the public to emulate the life of President Obote, whom he said preserved and protected his name.

"Your name is your legacy and destiny. The late Milton Obote preserved his name, which is why we have received people from as far as Kiryandongo, Kalaki, Masindi, Soroti and all parts of the country. That is why it is important to preserve and protect our names," he said.

My father's life was tied in people's well-being

UPC Party president and Obote's son, Jimmy Akena, addressing the congregation during the memorial service. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

UPC president Jimmy James Micheal Akena, also Obote's son, hailed his father for serving the will of the people despite thick and thorns while still alive.

"If you want to see the definition of what President Obote did, look at the five-year development plan from 1966 to 1971. Talk of health services, expansion of education, infrastructure, especially the Karuma bridge, was already in the plan. UPC lost power in 1971, but Uganda continued to lead in Africa because of the plan," he said.

Jimmy Akena, son of former President Milton Obote and current UPC party leader, kneels in honor of his father’s legacy and contributions to nation-building during the memorial service. (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

Nationalise the function

In his sermon during the memorial service, Okodi described the late Obote as a man of peace and a father of the nation, urging the Government to make his memorial service a national event.

Rt Rev. Alfred Acur Okodi, Bishop Emeritus on the Diocese of West Lango representing his predecessor Bishop Julius Ceasar Nina Otim. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

"In my opinion, this memorial service needs to be made a national event because Obote was more of a UPC leader but a founder of this nation. Going forward, it should be a national celebration not only for Obote but for the good of our country," he said.

Quoting the book of Mathew Chapter 12, Okodi encouraged the leaders to serve God honestly to tap blessings from Him.

"Faithfuls who serve God honestly. Their families are always blessed, and their grandchildren inherit the blessings meant for the family. I can prophesy that the family of Dr Milton Obote will never perish. Leadership will continue to rise from it. From his sons to the great grandchildren and every great leader, God will always plant a seed to continue with the legacy of the good things they did," he said.

Bishop John Charles Odur Kami praying for president Obote's family. (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

Congregation attending the memorial service. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

Former President Milton Obote’s grandchildren pose for a group photo at their grandfather’s gravesite. (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

Obote's life and times

• Obote was born on December 28, 1925, in Akokoro.
• Education: He attended Busoga College in Mwiri and Makerere College in Kampala, though his education was interrupted by student strikes. He later was involved in the independence movement while working in Kenya.
• Founder of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC): After returning to Uganda and joining the Uganda National Congress (UNC), he was elected to the Legislative Council in 1957. A split in the UNC led him to form the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) in 1960. 

First presidency (1966–1971)

• Prime Minister: Obote became Uganda's first prime minister after leading the UPC to victory in the 1962 elections and forming a coalition.
• Seizes power: In 1966, amid a corruption scandal, Obote seized power, suspended the constitution, declared himself president, and sent King Edward Mutesa II into exile.
• Consolidation of power: He further consolidated power in 1967 with a new constitution that abolished the federal structure and established a one-party state under the UPC in 1969.
• Overthrown by Idi Amin: While abroad in January 1971, Obote was overthrown in a military coup led by Idi Amin and fled to Tanzania. 

Second presidency (1980–1985)

• Following Amin's overthrow, Obote returned to Uganda and was re-elected president in the disputed 1980 election.
• His second term was marked by widespread alleged human rights abuses and the brutal Ugandan Bush War, which brought President Yoweri Museveni-led National Resistance Army/Movement into power. Amnesty International estimated over 300,000 civilian deaths.
• Ousted again: In 1985, army commanders overthrew Obote in a second coup. 

Exile and death

• After his second overthrow, Obote went into exile in Zambia. He eventually stepped down as UPC leader in 2005.
• Milton Obote died of kidney failure in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 10, 2005. 
• His body was returned to Uganda for a state funeral.