Uganda’s media fraternity was thrown into mourning on Friday, September 27, following the death of Onapito Okomoloit a veteran journalist and former member of parliament for Amuria county.
In a tragic turn of events, he died month after his wedding and less than a year after the death of his first wife.
Born in 1966, Okomoloit was 58 years old and previously served as President Yoweri Museveni’s press secretary.
Former Minister Mike Mukula broke the news about his demise on social media on Thursday September 27 by the
Okomoloit died after a short illness with media reports in Uganda indicating that he had been struggling with cancer.
“On behalf of the Teso community and the country at large I hereby announce with deep sadness and pain the demise of our brother Hon ONAPITO OKOMOLOIT (RIP).”
“A veteran journalist and former member of parliament AMURIA county …the rest of the details will be communicated later,” Mukula further reveled.
Onapito Life and Work
Prior to his death, Okomoloit who was also fondly called Ona, was serving as a Board Chairman of Nile Breweries Limited and a member of the council of elders of St Peter’s College Tororo.
Previously, he served as a Nile Breweries Corporate Director.
Nile Breweries said Okomoloit was a visionary leader and that his legacy will forever be part of the company.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed Board Chair, Onapito Ekomoloit.
His leadership, wisdom and unwavering commitment to our company will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Nile Breweries stated.
In addition, Okomoloit was a journalist and founder of the Crusader Newspaper that closed shop with the collapse of the Greenland Bank.
He is also a Former Press Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
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Marriage and Life
In 2023, Onapito authored a book called “Tears and Triumph”. In early February 2024, he wedded his wife, Cathy.
Notably, in October 2023, Onapito was hit by a tragedy following the demise of his first wife, Margaret Aanyu, the mother to his first son.
Condolence Messages
Moreover, various people have mourned him as a good, dedicated man and deeply knowledgeable.
Uganda’s Parliament Speaker Anita Among was among leaders who mourned the fallen journalist. She remembered him as a brilliant journalist and selfless leader who touched the lives of many.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our brother Onapito Ekomoloit. He was a journalist of excellence, a former Press Secretary to the President, and a former MP. His honest and humble contributions to our country speak for themselves,” eulogized Among.
She added, “My heartfelt sympathies go out to H.E. Yoweri Museveni, his family, friends, the press fraternity, the Nile Breweries family, and the Teso community. May his soul rest in peace.”
Dan Wanyama also a former press secretary, mourned his departure saying, “Brother Onapito Ekomoloit was a good man. Deeply knowledgeable, respectful and humble.”
“It was always a learning experience the couple of times our paths crossed. We mourn his family, the people of Teso and the media fraternity. May his ancestors receive him with favor,” he further said.
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Similarly, the Director of communications and public affairs at Uganda parliament and former journalist at the Daily Monitor, Chris Obore also mourned his death.
“Humble. Traditionally grounded. Intellectually exposed. Teso did not deserve to lose you. It sucks and hurts. Onapito Ekomoloit!”
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