Hundreds attend Mao father's funeral

By Donald Kiirya

HUNDREDS of mourners on Monday attended the memorial service of the late Dusman Okee, the father of Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao at St. Luke's Church of Uganda-Bukaya in Njeru town council, Buikwe district.

The memorial service was led by Rev. David Mpoza the parish priest of Bukaya Parish in Njeru, Buikwe district.

The late Okee succumbed to hypertension on Saturday at Jinja Hospital.

During the service at St. Luke, Mao described his father as a man who taught his children integrity that has enabled them to serve in many public offices.

"I thank the St. Luke Church and the people of Bukaya in Njeru town council for standing by the side of our father. On Christmas Mzee prayed from this church and our family roots are Anglican," Mao said.

Mao said his father was educated and was proud of his education. He was proud of being a scientist and a mathematician.

"I remember those days when we came back with report cards at home boasting of passing well but if he (Mzee) realized that you have failed mathematics, or got a lower grade, he could always complain," said Mao.

He said that after his father left the army, he went to Kenya and joined the then Njoro Agricultural College near Mt. Elgon, now called Egaton University and where he studied Wheat and Barley (Cereal Chemistry).

He added that he was part of a foundation team that manufactured the famous Tip Top bread at Uganda Grain Milling Company where he worked for close to 30 years.

By the time of his death he had established Nile Computer Training Centre in Njeru where youth could be trained computer skills.

Dan Kidega, the Speaker of the East African Parliament and son to Okee, said the late Okee was a friend, father and their hero who gave out the best any child would want out of a parent.

"Our father taught us how to be respectful, taught us values, to be honest and stand for the truth and I am proud of him," Kidega said after the memorial service.

Among those who attended the memorial service was NRM's Mike Ssebalu and legislator in the East African Parliament who said Okee has lived along life and full life given the leadership he has left behind through the children and those people that went through his hands. 

While in Church, various people laid wreaths onto the casket that contained Okee's body and these included Members of the East African Parliament, Children and grandchildren of Okee, Annet Hiramo (a widow) and leaders from Buikwe district.

At about 2:00pm, A-Plus funeral services drove the casket to Njeru town council offices where a special council session was held in respect of Okee.

Ronald Katende, the Speaker of Njeru town council said Okee served for two terms in Njeru town council during his political times. 

Okee's body will be buried at Lacor village in Gulu Municipality where he was born on January 5, 1942.

Okee has left behind five boys and four girls. Two other girls passed on.