Ugandan Man Who Built a Classic, Well Lit House for His Burial, Finally Laid to Rest in the House After Two Months of Mourning Him.

Saturday 30-11-2024.

By New Vision.

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AMURIA - Mourners in their hundreds have turned up in Asalatap village, Wera sub-county in Amuria to attend the burial of Francis Onapito Ekomoloit who died in Kampala 65 days ago.

Whereas it’s the norm for the African cultures to mourn during the burial, today during the burial of Onapito, it's dancing, singing and feasting.

Unlike the usual burials where caskets containing the remains of the person who died are laid down and later covered with soil or concrete alongside an iron sheet, for Onapito, it was closing the door into his resting place which is well-lit with modern bulbs and a wall full of his portraits.

“We had two months of mourning and today it’s a celebration. We are celebrating the works of our mustard seed whose fruits were tested by all of us,” remarked Joyce Nyeko, the elder sister of Onapito.

A number of traditional troupe performances wiped away the tears of Iteso through their exciting performances that lit up the bright day in Amuria.

Former minister Mary Karoro Okurut who worked with Onapito in the office of the president as deputy press secretary described Onapito as a dedicated man with the highest level of integrity.

“As a colleague, he was a corrupt free gentleman, as my former student he was a brilliant student who after qualifying never accepted brown envelopes to kill stories,” Karoro said.

The widow Catherine Onapito described her husband as a loving, caring and supportive man that death has robbed her of.

“He was a great husband, he is my mister family! He loved me and our children,” Kiyai said.

Ministers Hellen Adoa of fisheries and Musa Ecweru of works lay a wreath on Onapito's casket. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Onapito, according to his sister Dr. Alice Acabat Oriokot, died of cancer of the lungs that was detected two months before his death. He died aged 58. 

Unlike the usual burials where caskets containing the remains of the person who died are laid down and later covered with soil or concrete alongside an iron sheet, for Onapito, it was closing the door into his resting place which is well-lit with modern bulbs and a wall full of his portraits.

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The outside view of the mausoleum that was constructed by Onapito during his lifetime on earth, and is where his body has been laid to rest today (Saturday (November 30, 2024) at Asalatap village, Wera sub-county in Amuria district. (All Photos by Godfrey Ojore)

Inside the mausoleum where Onapito's body has been laid to rest today (Saturday (November 30, 2024) at Asalatap village, Wera sub-county in Amuria district. (Only his close family relatives, and clergy were allowed inside as they paid their last respects).

Enclosed is the tomb containing Onapito's remains.

Prior, mourners in their hundreds turned up in Asalatap village, Wera sub-county in Amuria to attend the burial of Francis Onapito Ekomoloit who died in Kampala 65 days ago.