Obote, Amin homes yet to be contacted

Nov 08, 2016

“I have not received any government's official communication that they will visit our ancestral graveyard."

KAMPALA - The Ugandan government is yet to contact the families of former presidents Dr. Apolo Milton Obote and Idi Amin about its proposal to turn their ancestral homes into tourism sites.

This is according to state minister for tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda.

"I admit I have not yet contacted their families. But according to my travel plans for Lango  and Acholi sub-regions , I still have 20 days, enough time to communicate to them about my proposal ," he told New Vision.

Recently in Kampala, the minister unveiled before journalists the Tulambule domestic tourism campaign that government had tabled before the  families of the two late leaders - a proposal to turn their ancestral homes into tourism sites.

Kiwanda said his team intends to visit Obote's grave in Akokoro.

The plan is also to visit Ngetta hills, the Barlonyo memorial site, Ibuje hills, Fort Patiko, Guruguru hills, Omoro hot springs, mountain Oret in Agago and Janani Luwumu center in Acholi sub region.

Obote, who ruled Uganda twice, died in 2005 after spending 20 years in exile in Zambia where he fled to after his second removal from power.

Amin, born in West Nile, died two years earlier in Jeddah and was buried in the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

Obote's son, Jimmy Akena (MP Lira municipality) said they had not been contacted yet. "I have not received any government's official communication that they will visit our ancestral graveyard in Akokoro," he told New Vision.

But when he is contacted, he will weigh its merits and demerits and also consult family members and elders.

"I can't take a decision on this matter alone," said the former First Son.

Meanwhile, Akena's mother Miria Kalule Obote welcomed the plan to beatify her late husband's ancestral ground.

"I welcome minister Kiwanda's proposal to visit my late husband's grave. The proposal has been overdue. Apparently Obote's grave needs refurbishment to suit the presidential status," she told New Vision.

"My proposal is to build one memorable room to be furnished with Obote's portraits, and the literature he cherished to read."

Amin's family could not be reached for comment.

 

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