Onapito guided me through murky waters of politics — Tayebwa

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has said the late veteran journalist and former Amuria County MP Francis Ekomoloit Onapito guided him to navigate the murky waters of politics.

Tayebwa, who is also the Ruhinda North MP, said he was saddened by the death of Onapito, which occurred on September 27, 2024, at Kampala Hospital.

“At a personal level, Ona [as Onapito was fondly known by friends], was someone I always ran to for advice, especially when the going got tough. He guided me deeply on how to navigate the murky waters of politics,” he said.

“He had that charm effect that would cool the tempers in the room. My condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace, my senior,” the Deputy Speaker added in a post on his X handle a few hours after the news of Onapito’s death broke. 

At the time of his death, Onapito was serving as the board chairperson of Soroti Fruit Factory.

Previously, he  chaired the Board of Directors at Nile Breweries Limited,  a company which he joined in November 2006 as a director of corporate affairs.

Despite his humble origins, Onapito rose to greatness as a journalist, lawmaker, presidential press secretary and corporate executive.

He was born to the late John Onapito in the rural Amuria district.

In his book, Tears and Triumph, which he launched in June last year, it is clear that Onapito’s road to national prominence was paved with adversities.

He lost his mother in his early years as a child and his father in July 2002.