Veteran journalist and former MP Onapito dies

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KAMPALA - Francis Ekomoloit Onapito, a man who wore many hats — as a journalist, presidential press secretary, legislator, board chair and political commentator — has died.

Ekomoloit popularly known as 'Ona' among colleagues and compatriots, passed away Friday (September 27) at Kampala Hospital, where he was being treated. 

It is not known yet what he was suffering from.

Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice-chairperson in charge of Eastern Uganda and a close friend, announced Onapito's death.

“On behalf of the Teso community and the country at large, I hereby announce with deep sadness and pain the demise of our brother Onapito, a veteran journalist and former Member of Parliament Amuria County," he said. 

Mukula added that details "will be communicated later".

Chris Obore, the director communications at Uganda's Parliament, described the late Onapito as "an icon" and "a gentleman".

'An icon'

Tributes have continued to flow for the former Amuria county MP in the wake of the news of his death.

Vision Group CEO and managing director Don Wanyama said "Ndugu Onapito Ekomoloit was a good man" and "deeply knowledgeable, respectful and humble".

"It was always a learning experience a couple of times our paths crossed. We mourn with his family, the people of Teso and the media fraternity. May his ancestors receive him with favour.”

Chris Obore, the director communications at Uganda's Parliament, described the late Onapito as "an icon" and "a gentleman".

He also spoke of how the former legislator was humble, traditionally grounded and intellectually exposed".

"Teso did not deserve to lose you. It sucks and hurts. Onapito Ekomoloit!”