'A patriot lost': Ex-minister Ben Etonu laid to rest in Amuria

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The late Benedicto “Ben” Etonu, a former Amuria County Member of Parliament and Minister of Housing under the Milton Obote administration, was laid to rest Saturday (November 29) with the honour of an official burial granted by President Yoweri Museveni.

Etonu died on November 15 in Kampala at the age of 87.

He was buried at his ancestral home in Adome village, Apeduru sub-county in Amuria district, in a ceremony presided over by Vice-President Jessica Alupo on behalf of the President.

Alupo sharing with some of the children of late Etonu on the burial day. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

It was a farewell befitting a man whose long public life cut across political eras, ideological divides, and generational shifts yet remained anchored in humility, duty, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Teso.

In his written condolence message, Museveni described Etonu as “a distinguished statesman whose legacy will remain an inspiration to generations”.

He hailed the veteran politician as a patriot who served Uganda with clarity of purpose and a spirit devoid of bitterness even through tumultuous political chapters.

“Uganda has lost a patriot, one whose legacy of service, humility, and dedication will remain an inspiration to generations.

“Mzee Etonu died in the evening of his life, carrying a wealth of experience and wisdom. The elders serve as a bridge between the past and the present, especially if the young people are willing to take lessons from them," said Museveni.

Although he rose to prominence under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Etonu later joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM), where he worked closely with Museveni.

His last official assignment from the President was serving as Soroti resident district commissioner (RDC), a responsibility VP Alupo said he carried out with “complete dedication and a fatherly spirit”.

Alupo remembered him as a leader who approached every issue from the viewpoint of the common Iteso, never from partisan lenses. “He stood for the interests of his people above politics,” she said.

'Leader of action'

Among those who paid tribute was State Minister for Works and Transport Musa Ecweru, who succeeded Etonu as Amuria MP in 2006. Ecweru praised him for a life steeped in discipline, humility, and community service. “He lived a life that demonstrated commitment to both country and community. He groomed many of us."

Gen. Jeje Odong, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and another former Amuria MP, said Etonu leaves behind a legacy etched into the district’s development history. 

“He is remembered as a leader of action who fulfilled campaign promises, lobbying for health centres, improving roads, and securing sub-county status for Abarilela. His impact is visible and lasting," he said.

'Life of happiness'

From the family’s perspective, Etonu’s leadership at home was as profound as his leadership in public. 

Speaking on behalf of his siblings, Richard Etonu described their father as humorous, compassionate, and unwaveringly fair. “He cared for us all without discrimination. His life was full of celebration, humour, and happiness,” he said, thanking the Government for recognising their father’s lifelong service through an official burial.

Other leaders, including Fisheries Minister Hellen Adoa, praised Etonu for mentoring notable figures such as the late Onapito Ekomoloit and Minister Ecweru.

Paramount chief of Iteso Sande Paul Emolot and other cultural leaders in attendance of the burial. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

The Iteso Cultural Union’s paramount chief, Papa Sande Paul Emolot, urged leaders in Teso to emulate Etonu’s towering legacy by championing unity and hard work.

During the funeral Mass, Fr Denis Egili of Amucu Mission reflected on Etonu’s spiritual life, saying God granted him 87 years because he lived with humility and love. “He used his life to serve, not to be served."

As the casket was lowered into the grave, it was not only the physical burial of a statesman but the celebration of a lifetime threaded with public duty, political maturity, moral clarity, and an enduring devotion to Teso.

In honouring him with an official burial, Uganda affirmed what his community already knew:  that Etonu belonged not just to Amuria, but to the nation.