West Nile MPs invite Museveni for Toko memorial

The West Nile parliamentary group and the family of former Vice President, Brig. Gad Wilson Toko, have invited President Yoweri Museveni for the memorial lecturer of the first commander of the Uganda Air Force.

Toko's memorial lecturer and service will take place on August 19 at Emmanuel cathedral in Mvara, Arua district. Toko was buried at the cathedral instead of his ancestral home in Maracha as a sign of respect by the people of West Nile for his outstanding contribution in leadership.

According to Maracha East MP, James Acidiri, who is one of the organisers of the memorial service, celebrating the life and legacy of Toko is a timely event, which is geared at inspiring many young leaders, to emulate the legacy of a man who served his country with integrity.

"We have invited the President. We hope he will attend, but no confirmation has been made yet," Acidiri said.

Toko, one of the pioneer trained pilots in the country, died in a car accident on August 16, 2002. 15 years since his death, lawmakers from West Nile say, the region has to celebrate his life and legacy.

Toko, who served as Vice President in the short-lived regime of former President Tito Okello Lutwa, was also the first commander of the Uganda Air Force. He served as the managing director of the defunct Uganda Airlines and as the executive director of the East African Airways.

Acidiri said diplomat, Harold Acemah, has been selected by Toko's family to deliver the key note address/ lecture.