Late Maj. Opio is a hero- President Museveni hails fallen UPDF Soldier

Sunday 14th July 2024

The UPDF soldier Maj. Patrick Opio Awany who recently died in an Al-Shabaab terror attack in Somalia has been laid to rest in Tangi village, Purongo Sub County in Nwoya district.
 
Until his death, Maj. Opio, a younger brother to NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and Reserve Forces Commander, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awanyi was serving in the African Transmission Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).   
 
In his speech read to the mourners by the Vice President of Uganda H.E Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni saluted the late Maj. Opio for his contribution to defending the “legitimate interest of our people.”
 
“Maj. Opio will be remembered for his courage and commitment to his country and the African continent. Therefore, the most befitting tribute and honour for his legacy is for all pro-people forces to continue championing the ideals for which he died,” President Museveni said as he commiserated with Awany’s family and the UPDF fraternity for losing a “comrade and  a great fighter.”    
 
The president also told mourners that anyone who undermines the aspirations of Africans by sowing division on the basis of tribe, religion, and gender among other things like the Al-Shabaab terrorists is an arch enemy.
 
“It is, therefore, our duty to fight and defeat the bankrupt groups that fight to propagate the anti-people agenda on the African soil,” Museveni stated.
 
The Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF said the forces stand on the pillars of patriotism and Pan-Africanism. “We have a historical mandate to defend the legitimate interest of the people of Uganda and Africa. The pro-people ideology of the UPDF has managed to usher in peace, unity, development, and social-economic transformation in Uganda and other parts of Africa,” Gen. Museveni said as he hailed the soldiers.
“Your son may have departed from your midst, but the fruits of his work will remain and benefit future generations,” the president said.
 
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo commiserated with the bereaved family for losing “a brave soldier who made an ultimate sacrifice while serving in the peacekeeping mission in Somalia.”
 
“His selfless dedication to promoting peace and stability will never be forgotten. He will dearly be missed not only by the family but by the nation and the entire East African region,” Maj. Alupo said.
 
The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong a brother to the deceased said the slain soldier was very passionate about educating his children. “I appeal to all over us to ensure that Opio’s children complete their education,” Todwong said.
 
He also urged the people of Acholi to shun tribalism and embrace people from all regions. “That is the only way we shall all develop by working with friends from various communities,” Todwong said.     

The funeral was also attended by ministers, members of parliament, NRM Secretariat leaders religious leaders and senior UPDF officers.