Karamoja — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid tribute to the late Edward Lorika Athiyo, a revered elder and former public servant from Karamoja, during a visit to his ancestral home in Nakapiripirit District.
The President’s visit followed shortly after presiding over the International Labour Day celebrations held in the same district. He described the late Athiyo as a personal friend and one of the earliest Karamojong leaders he encountered during his youth.
“Thank you very much for inviting me. I didn’t know your home was this close. This is the home of my friend. I first met Athiyo in 1966 at the Ankole Hotel in Mbarara. It used to be the only hotel in the area, actually owned by a white man. Athiyo had just been appointed as the District Commissioner for Ankole, and I was a Senior Six student at Ntare School,” President Museveni recalled.
He spoke warmly of his long-standing relationship with the Karamoja region and the shared journey with its people through years of national struggle and leadership. “We started working in 1970, but then Idi Amin came in. He appointed some people, including Naburri William, to positions. We began fighting Amin, and by 1972, we were actively resisting his regime. After his fall in 1979, I was appointed Minister of Defence, and that’s how I continued working with people like Timothy Lolem.”
President Museveni commended the contributions of the Lorika family—Edward Lorika Athiyo, Naburri William, and Timothy Lolem—whom he described as “pioneers and patriots.” “I am happy that, like we Banyankole say, once you have children, you don’t die. These elders left behind seeds that are now growing. These seeds should germinate and multiply,” he said.
As a mark of support to the families of these historical figures, the President donated a tractor to aid them in agricultural production.
Mrs. Christine Athiyo, widow of the late Athiyo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Museveni for recognising and honouring her husband’s legacy. “I thank you for sparing time to come and be here with us. For the years I have been here, the late Athiyo has not been recognised and honoured like you have done. We are very grateful,” she said.
She appealed for continued recognition and support for other prominent Karamojong families, including those of the late Lolem and Naburri. “Within this land, we are focusing on two things: promoting agriculture and tourism and preserving the culture of the Karamojong. That’s our dream, and we intend to fulfil it,” she added.
“Mzee left us with very big shoes to fill. Our commitment to you and to Mzee is that we shall keep his legacy alive,” she concluded.
The memorial gathering was attended by members of the Lorika family, including children and grandchildren, Hon. Anyakun Esther—the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations and Woman Member of Parliament for Nakapiripirit District—alongside other dignitaries and community members.