Ex-spy chief Pulkol formalises marriage

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Former external security chief David Bwangamoe Pulkol has formalised his marriage to Sharon Lorot Ojao. The lavish ceremony was held at the bride’s parents' home in Nakiloro village, Namalu sub-county in Nakapiripirit district.

The couple that has cohabited for almost a quarter of a decade, early this year, decided to legalise their union in a modified traditional marriage on December 27, 2025.

The 66-year-old Pulkol looked stylish in his changeable traditional outfit with big red and blue rectangular patterns.

A similar pattern with red colour and white bands rested on his right shoulder throughout the ceremony that ended on Sunday at 3:00am.

The groom also wore a brown round hat, several necklaces and bangles and a magnificent walking stick, including the locally made car tyre sandals.

Pulkol’s 43–year–old wife wore a lovely, decorative, changeable, well-designed black dress made out of the traditional wear for the Pokot tribe.

Sharon embraces Pulkol during the modified traditional marriage. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama). (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

The couple smiled reservedly as the bride washed her husband’s feet, a sign of welcoming him back after a day’s work. When it was finalised, they both shared a spectacular hug.

Pulkol told New Vision Online he was forced to look for a wife after 13 years of being alone.

“I felt something was missing in my life,” he said, adding that this was a partner.

He described the day as great at his age. Pulkol added that he had offered education to all the children and that he was lonely in the house.

“What is being celebrated today began in April," Pulkol said and added that the climax has been a traditional marriage, though modified.

He further said getting a partner was in preparation for advanced age, “just imagine at 72 I need one who should be by my side during hours of difficulty.”

Pulkol was equally satisfied with the wife’s family, adding that his father-in-law, John Lorot, the former Member of Parliament and Nakapiripirit district chairperson, is a political friend.

“We share a lot in common, tracing from world wars to the colonial era in Uganda,” he said.

Therefore, Pulkol said he was marrying into a renowned family.

On behalf of the family, Lorot said, “I want to wish them a good life,” amid dozens of family members, relatives, friends and scores of neighbours.

Lorot encouraged the youths to embrace tradition, saying 'this is what our forefathers did to get wives'.

Labour state minister Esther Davina Anyakun, who attended the ceremony, said the day was big among the Ateker family.

She encouraged the family that comprises Turkana from Kenya, Toposa from South Sudan and the Nyangatom from Ethiopia to embrace peace for sustainable development.

Others in attendance were the Karimojong across the region, the neighbouring Iteso and Acholi, among others.

Anyakun added that it was good that Ateker was now realising the significance of having peace.

“Without peace we cannot have such celebrations or ceremonies,” she said.

At the time of publishing this story, Pulkol was set to pay a bride price of about 100 head of cattle for Ojao at Natumukasikou village, Moroto Municipality.

Who is Pulkol?

He joined the political scene at the age of 26, becoming the Deputy Minister for water and mineral development 1989-1991.

However, in 1991-1994, state minister for education and sports.

Pulkol in 1994- Nov. 1996 served as the state minister for Karamoja affairs.

He also served as a deputy director for the external security organisation – ESO 1996 to 1998.

From 1998 – 2001, Pulkol worked as a deputy regional director UN children's agency (UNICEF) for East and Southern Africa, serving 23 countries.

Later, he was appointed a full director general for ESO from 2001-2003.

Currently, he is the principal advisor operation wealth creation to Gen. Salim Saleh under the office of the President.