'Self-made' Entebbe beach tycoon Kodet eulogised

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Deceased Karamoja tycoon and Entebbe-based Aero Beach proprietor Cornelius Lorika Kodet, was “not just a dreamer but a doer,” his Nigerian son-in-law, Seye Ogunrotimi, has said. The businessman passed on at his home in Entebbe, Wakiso district, on Sunday (December 7, 2025).

Ogunrotimi adds that Kodet, who inspired to venture into meat export, a business that has since grown successfully, was a devoted and loyal reader of the New Vision newspaper, a habit he maintained faithfully into his final days.

Speaking in an emotional tribute during the funeral service held on December 10, 2025, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, Ogunrotimi said the late businessman trusted only three news sources throughout his life: The New Vision, UBC TV and the BBC World Service radio.

“He was an ardent reader of the New Vision. Even when he could no longer read, he always asked someone near him to read it for him,” Ogunrotimi said, adding that Kodet viewed the rest of the media landscape as “fake news.”

The disclosure painted an intimate portrait of a man whose towering business achievements were matched by deeply ingrained personal routines and convictions.

Ogunrotimi, who broke down midway through his eulogy, said: I thank God I married into this family. 

His voice cracked as he recalled cherished memories with his father-in-law.

Self-made man

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi led hundreds of mourners, among them senior government officials, business leaders and Karamoja elders—in celebrating the life and legacy of the veteran entrepreneur.

Mbabazi hailed him as a resilient, self-made man who defied odds that crushed many.

“Kodet was a self-made man, an entrepreneur built by the toughest of conditions,” he said. “He was the first Karamojong to own an aircraft. He broke barriers that seemed immovable.”

Karamoja bishop emeritus Joseph Abura, who presided over the service, described Kodet as a staunch supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and used his sermon to caution youth against the dangers of social media misuse and alcohol abuse.

Who was Lorika?

Born on Christmas Day of 1939 to Lorika Isaac and Ngiro Laker, Kodet’s life journey was marked by humble beginnings and bold ambition.

He studied at Lotome Primary School, Lotome Junior Secondary School and Athi River Veterinary Institute before embarking on a diverse career.

He worked as a medical nurse at Moroto Hospital, later rising to factory superintendent at Uganda Meat Packers, a facility he eventually bought together with Col Omaria. He also promoted Karamoja programs on Radio Uganda and spearheaded mechanised agriculture in Namalu.

Kodet went on to build a business empire that included Apule Safari Lodge in Mbale, Katurum Lodge in Kidepo, Mt Moroto Hotel and Aero Beach Entebbe.

Between 1979 and 2025, he emerged as one of Uganda’s most prominent businessmen and served as an officer in charge of the Karamoja Traders Association.

He is survived by 11 children, among them Manchester University-schooled chemical engineer George Lorika Kodet and 38 grandchildren.

George described his father as a hardworking, generous man who built wealth with future generations in mind.

“My father left me extremely large shoes to fill, but I promise you I will tighten those shoelaces,” he said.

Widow Asha Mena Kodet, who had been married to him for 50 years, was too emotional to speak. Her tribute was read on her behalf by Hanifah Mwalimu as she wiped tears throughout the reading.

The funeral drew notable figures such as Capt. Mike Mukula, Andrew Rugasira, Chris Kaheru, the Kaheru family, politicians from Karamoja and members of the clergy.

After a vigil in Mbale, Kodet will be laid to rest on Sunday at his ancestral home in Moroto, Karamoja.