Maj. Opio Awany was a brave patriot - Todwong tells mourners

Saturday 13th July 2024

Hundreds of mourners, including Members of Parliament, UPDF officers, friends and family today gathered at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish in Gulu City for a requiem mass of Maj Patrick Opio Awany who lost his life in an improvised devise explosion attack in Somalia.

Maj. Opio was a younger brother to the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and UPDF Reserve Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany.

While addressing Mourners, Rt. Hon. Todwong described his late brother as a rare person who diligently served God and humanity. "He will be remembered for his bravery and unmatched passion for the sovereignty of his country," Todwong said, as he narrated the life of his fallen brother.

He further called upon religious leaders, and cultural leaders to work together with the Central Government to unite the masses and work towards household wealth creation.

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF,) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba who was represented by mechanised Brigade Commander, Brig. Charles Byanyima described the late as a dedicated, courageous, God-fearing soldier who fought hard to pacify Uganda and the entire continent.

The late Maj Opio Awany bravely faced countless battles in the Central African Republic, Eastern DRC Congo and Somalia. Opio who was serving under the African Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia, will be laid to rest tomorrow at Tangi village, Purongo subcounty in Nwoya District.