NWOYA- The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Hon Richard Todwong, has hosted prominent political and cultural leaders at his ancestral home in Purongo, Nwoya District, to honour his depaarted brother, Lt Col Patrick Opio Awany who died two months ago in Somalia while serving in the Africa Transition Mission (ATMIS).
Hon Todwong and family were pleased to host high-profile persons, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, the Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Acana II, Teso Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, and the King of the Alur, Rwoth Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III.
Rt Hon Tayebwa praised Lt Col Awany family for their contribution to the nation’s peace and stability saying that the family has given so much to the country, the reason the people in Northern Uganda enjoy peace and stability, because of the tremendous sacrifices you have made.
He also emphasized the need for economic self-reliance in Northern Uganda, encouraging the Acholi to continue working towards economic development.
Hon Todwong shared his reflections on the loss of his brother, expressing gratitude for the support from friends and cultural leaders.
“Our brother died on the day we were preparing to remember our late father. We thank God that we have remained strong, supported by friends like you and our cultural leaders,” Todwong stated, underscoring the importance of community solidarity in times of grief.
Rwot Acana II commended the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Tayebwa for his leadership in addressing the concerns of the Acholi people and thanked him for addressing the issues concerning the Acholi people saying that he was glad that he has been part of the family, which has been a unifying force for the people of Acholi on many occasions.
Emorimor Emolot expressed his condolences to the Todwong family and acknowledging the sacrifice made by Lt Col Awany and emphasizing the unity between different cultural groups in times of loss.
“Our hearts are with you during this time of grief. We honour the service and commitment Lt. Col. Awany showed to our nation,” Emolot said, underlining the solidarity among Uganda’s diverse communities.
Similarly, Rwoth Rauni Olarker III conveyed his sympathy, recognising the impact of Lt Col Awany’s death on the nation.
“We mourn with you for the loss of a brave son of Uganda. His legacy will inspire continued efforts towards peace and unity,” Rwoth Olarker noted, reaffirming the close cultural ties that bind the communities of Northern Uganda.
The Commander of the UPDF Reserve Forces Lt Gen Charles Otema who is also an elder brother of the late Lt Col Awany, also expressed his appreciation to those who attended the memorial.
“I am very grateful to you for taking the time to visit us here. We lost our young brother, who was very dynamic and hardworking. We are grateful that you have come here to mourn with us,” Lt Gen Otema said.
Other distinguished guests were Member of Parliament for Serere County Hon Emmanuel Omoding, the former Director General of the External Security Organisation, Hon David Pulkol and Counsel Severino Twinobusingye among many others.
