Museveni pays tribute to late Karamoja elder Athiyo
The President described the late Athiyo as "a friend" and one of the first Karimojong personalities he encountered in his youthful years.
President Yoweri Museveni laying a wreath on the late Edward Lorika Athiyo's grave during a visit to Athiyo's ancestral home in Nakapiripirit district. (PPU photos)
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President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the late Edward Lorika Athiyo, a respected elder of Karamoja and former public servant.
This was on Thursday during a visit to his ancestral home in Nakapiripirit district.
The President’s visit came shortly after he presided over the International Labour Day celebrations.
He described the late Athiyo as "a friend" and one of the first Karimojong personalities he encountered in his youthful years.
“I first met Athiyo in 1966 at Ankole Hotel in Mbarara. It used to be the only hotel in the area, actually owned by a white man," he recalled.
President Museveni in a group photo with the late Athiyo's family.
"Athiyo had just been appointed as the District Commissioner for Ankole, and I was a Senior Six student at Ntare School."
Museveni narrated his long-standing connection with the Karamoja region, highlighting shared experiences through decades of national service and struggle.
“We started working in 1970, but then Idi Amin came in. He appointed some people, including Naburri William, to positions. We began fighting Amin, and by 1972, we were actively resisting his regime.
"After his fall in 1979, I was appointed Minister of Defence, and that’s how I continued working with people like Timothy Lolem.”
The President also praised the legacy of the Lorika family — Edward Lorika Athiyo, Naburri William, and Timothy Lolem — describing them as pioneers and patriots.
“I am happy that, like we Banyankole say, once you have children, you don’t die. These elders left behind seeds that are now growing. These seeds should germinate and multiply."
As a gesture of support, President Museveni donated a tractor to assist the families of the late Athiyo, Lolem, and Naburri in agricultural production.
'We are very grateful'
On her part, Christine Athiyo, widow of the late Athiyo, expressed deep appreciation to the President for honouring her husband’s legacy.
“I thank you for sparing time to come and be here with us. For the years I have been here, the late Athiyo has not been recognized and honoured like you have done. We are very grateful."
She further appealed for continued support to other historical Karimojong families, including that of the late Lolem and Naburri.
“Within this land, we are focusing on two things: promoting agriculture and tourism and preserving the culture of the Karimojong. That’s our dream, and we intend to fulfill it.
“Mzee left us with very big shoes to fill. Our commitment to you and to Mzee is that we shall keep his legacy alive,” said Athiyo.