Army mourns Maj Gen Lorot

OBITUARY    DEATH

According to the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen John Lorot died yesterday of natural causes at Nakasero Hospital.

At the time of his demise, Lorot was the in charge of the army's cantonment at Jinja, which houses several strategic units of the UPDF.

"UPDF and the entire country will always miss him," Brig. Richard Karemire said yesterday.

Known within the army ranks for his towering experience and diligent service to the UPDF, the pencil size Lorot was promoted last year in February from the rank of Brigadier to Major General during a ceremony at the headquarters of the ministry of defence in Mbuya.

At the ceremony, Lorot forced colleagues into bouts of laughter as army officers struggled to find a cap that fits him. 

UPDF said yesterday that burial arrangements for Lorot will be communicated after a meeting with family members.

Lorot was born on February 4, 1959, in Moru Angi Bun Village, Nabilatuk Sub-County, Puan County, Nakapiripirit district.

He studied at St. Peter's College Tororo before joining the army in 1981.

Lorot also studied a number of military courses in Moscow, Russian and later completed a senior staff and command course at the military college in Kimaka.

From Kimaka, Lorot undertook a United Nations (UN) military observer's course in Kenya.

During the fight against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels led by Joseph Kony, he served as the 5th Division commander in Acholi-Pii and later as Division operations and training officer.

After registering success against LRA commanders, Lorot was appointed as the 309 brigade commander of Gulu.