Legislators have described the late Rotary International President Elect, Sam F. Owori, as a man of exemplary quality who served the country and the world with dedication.
This followed a motion to honour the late moved by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, at a Special Sitting of Parliament presided over by the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah on Tuesday, 25th July 2017.
Rugunda said that Sam Owori widened the Rotary footprint within Uganda and in East and Central Africa.
“He lived an exemplary life full of service especially through Rotary; he was an accomplished leader having made a tremendous contribution to the country,” Rugunda said.
Dr Rugunda said that Owori stood out for his determination and willingness to serve. He added that Owori championed the cause for the under privileged.
“He was very resourceful and dedicated his life to serve and help those who were less privileged that is why he took the decision to join Rotary,” the Prime Minister added.
Hon. Andrew Baryayanga (Kabale Municipality) said that there is need to celebrate the life of the hardworking, generous and exemplary Sam Owori.
“He has done a lot for the people of Uganda by expanding the presence of Rotary in the country which touched the lives of many; poor people, the sick and the marginalised groups within the country,” Baryayanga added.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu said that Owori was a remarkably hardworking person.
“Owori was part of the three-man team that reconstructed the Uganda Commercial Bank which was practically on the verge of collapse after the National Resistance Movement took over power in 1986,” the Minister noted.
The Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny, said Owori was very committed to Rotary, helping people as well as issues of maternal and child health.
“Sam was simple to relate with and had time for everyone. The many times I met him, he always referred to me as his sister. Sam was calm but effective,” she said.
Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth (West Budama South) said Owori lived a life above tribe and was never tribalist. He added that Sam made the spirit of humility popular.
“Owori has gone at a time when peacemakers are needed in the Tororo sub-region with the prevailing conflicts. He was the best person we had; a very developmental person,” Oboth said.
Hon. Abdu Katuntu said that given Owori’s wealth of experience and knowledge, Ugandans ought to emulate him and take part in activities that allow for sharing of experiences with the younger generation.
The Deputy Speaker said the late Owori was an honorary person and that the country had lost a great servant.
“Owori served above self and looked to the whole world and I hope that we could employ the Four Way Test from Rotary so that we can carry out our work respectfully and harmoniously with the idea that this our country,” Oulanyah said.
Owori served as the Director Uganda Development Bank and Post Bank, Chairman and Executive Director Uganda Commercial Bank among others.
He died after undergoing surgery on 13th July 2017 in the United States. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kidera, Tororo on Saturday, 29th July 2017.
