President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the passing away of Mzee Ebidu Charles Otim, saying the ruling party has lost a dedicated supporter.
Ebidu, a former supporter of the NRA struggle, succumbed to Diabetes, hypertension, and ulcers, a condition he has managed since 1995. He passed away on the eve of Christmas, Dec 24, 2024.
President Museveni, in his condolence message delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo said the NRM has lost a dedicated supporter.
“Mzee Ebidu extended goodwill and support for the NRA’s liberation struggle in the 1980s. He was also a wealth creator, as a commercial cassava farmer,” Museveni said.
On behalf of the Government, the NRM Party; and on his own behalf, the president extended condolences to the family upon the loss of a dear father and grandfather.
He particularly commiserated with Ebidu’s daughter, Airo Eseza, and all the children for their loss.
“At this dark hour, my thoughts are with you; and pray that God grants you the fortitude and courage to go through this moment of grief and loss,” he said.
The president told mourners that it is always sad when we lose our elders because they carry a wealth of experience and wisdom.
“They serve as a bridge between the past and present, especially if the young people are willing to take lessons from these elders; and also emulate their good conduct,” the president said.
He saluted the late Mzee Ebidu Charles for his selfless contribution to the peace and development of Uganda and urged his children to carry forward his good works.
“Now that the NRM has ushered peace, in every part of the Country and also modernised the infrastructure, let every household emulate the example of Mzee Ebidu, to create wealth and jobs, by selecting a profit-making enterprise, in the four sectors of: commercial agriculture, services, industries and ICT,” he said.
State minister for Works Musa Ecweru assured hundreds of mourners that the legacy of Papa Ebidu shall not die because he educated all his children.
“He has been a very prominent figure here Teso sub-region. In fact, he is supposed to be called Apolon because he has been a man of value to every community. He has touched so many lives wherever he has passed,” Ecweru said.
Moses Emabu, the LC-5 chairperson of Amuria district, thanked the vice president for finding time to join mourners for the send-off of Papa Ebidu.
“We have lost a pillar. He has been one of the most experienced persons in the Amuria district. We thank God for his life,” Emabu said.
He thanked the government for supporting his district. “The district has received sh3b to set up health centres. Four seed secondary schools have been set up in four sub counties,” he said.
He, however, asked the government to finish the district General Hospital.
The Archdeacon of Amuria Archdeaconry ,Rev. Can. Simon Peter Otukei, the main celebrant in his summon, told the congregation that while on earth, they have to be simple. “We’re all on one bus, so prepare for your destiny by being simple by living in the Kingdom of God,” he said.
Ebintu’s remains were laid to rest at his ancestral home in Ocuma village, Dokolo parish, Asamuk sub county in Amuria district.
