Former president of Uganda Dr. Apollo Milton Obote died on Monday, October 10, 2005. His kidney failed and his liver already had a problem. He was transferred from Zambia where he had been living to a hospital in South Africa where he died. Children told Elvina Nawaguna what they knew about him
Obote led Uganda to independence. He was the first executive prime minister of Uganda and then he was exiled to Zambia. He built hospitals and constructed roads. I liked him because he constructed a road in my village in Hoima, but now these people of Zimwe have spoilt it. I am sad that he has died. I wanted our president to call him back so that he could ask the Baganda for forgiveness and act as an advisor to the president. I feel bad that he never got a chance to see how much Uganda has developed since he left. I hope they bring his body and bury him in a respectable way.
Henry Kamurasi, 9, P5, St. Kizito Primary School Bugolobi
I don’t know much about him because I spent most of my life in London. All I know is that he used to be the president of Uganda and he fought for our independence. I can’t lie that I am sad about his death, because I didn’t know him personally. Maybe if I knew him, I would feel differently. He should be remembered for our independence.
Jemimah Bugonza, 11, Kabojja Junior School
Obote abolished kingdoms in Uganda because he thought that Uganda should be ruled by only one leader. He was the first executive president of Uganda and the first prime minister. I think if his body is brought back to Uganda, he must be given a respectable burial.
Anita Atukunda, P5, St. Kizito Primary School, Bugolobi
He was both good and bad. He formed the first national political party UPC and was the first president of independent Uganda. But his men killed many people during his time. I am not really sad that he died because my grandfather was taken during his regime. But he deserves a state funeral because every president who dies should be given one.
Ingrid Atugonza, 11, Kaboja Junior School
He was sort of straight forward. He never practiced sectarianism. He was good at times and rough at times, like when he sent his soldiers to attack the Lubiri. He actually cheated the Kabaka and became prime minister because he knew that the real power was in the hands of the prime minister. On the good side, he built a hospital in Gulu and constructed many schools. I think his death is a pain to many people because, to them, he was a hero. He will be treated like a martyr. He was my hero because of the love he gave to my late granddad. But others saw him as a hypocrite. All in all, I think God made it happen for a reason. He had done enough for Uganda and it was time for him to go to Heaven. It was time for UPC to get another leader.
Clinton Wodomel, 12, P7, Kabojja Junior School
He was hardworking and he led Uganda into independence. I know that he was at one time the prime minister and president of Uganda. It is painful to know that he is dead. I was hoping that he would become the president after the elections next year, because he had ruled twice and he was experienced.
Eunice Onying, P6, Kiswa Primary School
He ruled Uganda twice, but I have forgotten the years. He was the first prime minister of Uganda and he formed the Uganda People’s congress (UPC). But he did a bad thing when he exiled the Kabaka Mutesa. He was the man who made the Kabaka president and yet he was the one who was making the rules for the country. He should be remembered because he opened Nabumali High School. It is sad that he has died because he has ever worked with one of my grandfathers.
Poulson Ongoet, 13, Kiswa Primary School
I don’t know much about him because I spent most of my life in London. All I know is that he used to be the president of Uganda and he fought for our independence. I can’t lie that I am sad about his death, because I didn’t know him personally. Maybe if I knew him, I would feel differently. He should be remembered for our independence.
