Atubo's son laid to rest
Sep 25, 2017
By the time of his death, Onika was in the process of publishing two books – The Man Who Lived and Other Tales and The Master’s Dogs. He had already published a book, The Boy and the Well.
TRAGEDY | INNOCENT ONIKA
LIRA - The remains of the son of former lands minister Daniel Omara Atubo who passed on a week ago at their home in Bugolobi, Kampala has been laid to rest at their home in Ngetta, outside Lira town.
Innocent Onika, 26, a second-year student of Makerere University, was pursuing bachelor's degree in wildlife science. He was found dead in his room on September 17.
Hundreds of mourners turned up at Atubo's home to commiserate with the family.
Atubo told mourners that Onika was born in 1991 at the time he was arrested together with other 18 prominent politicians from northern Uganda, during a crackdown by Gen. David Sejusa, the then state minister for defence.
PIC: The late Innocent Atubo died of carbon monoxide poisoning. He was a brilliant author on the verge of publishing two more books
He said his colleagues' advised him to name the child "Innocent" because they were all innocent of the crime for which they were arrested.
Atubo, said their only crime was to advise the regime not to use military means to solve the northern conflict.
Atubo recognised the contribution of Sam Engola, who took his wife to president Museveni, who gave her sh5m as she prepared to deliver the child.
Atubo described Onika as a disciplined and humble boy and was the last born in the family.
Onika died of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to a post mortem report by Dr. Male Mutumba from Mulago Hospital.
The family explained that at the time of his death, Onika was doing the work he liked most, cooking; he was baking cake using a charcoal stove in his room.
By the time of his death, Onika was in the process of publishing two books - The Man Who Lived and Other Tales and The Master's Dogs.
Dave Okello, the chairman of old students association of Bishop Cypriano Kihangire, said they will have the two books published. He described Onika as special and brilliant.
Onika had already published a book, The Boy and the Well, a collection of short stories and poems, which are being sold on Amazon online.
PIC: Atubo being consoled by lands minister Betty Amongi. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)