By Milton Olupot
and John Odyek

MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday paid tribute to the late Dr. Yefusa Okulo Epak, MP for Oyam South, describing him as principled, intelligent and a nationalist.

Epak died of lung cancer at Neuleg Hospital in South Africa last Wednesday, three weeks after he was hospitalised.
The motion for a resolution of Parliament to pay tribute to the fallen MP was moved by the Prime Minister, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, and seconded by the leader of opposition in Parliament, Prof. Ogenga Latigo.

Nsibambi described Epak as an illustrious, prolific and articulate debater. He said Epak helped to revamp the public accounts committee as its chairman in the 7th Parliament and made wise analyses of complicated issues in the Constituent Assembly.

Prof. Latigo stated that Epak was a principled and respected man. “He sometimes supported the Government positions, not for selfish reasons but to arrive at a compromise position.”
He added that because of his humility, Epak was so popular with his constituents that he did not have to print campaign posters.

The Speaker, Edward Ssekandi, said: “He was intelligent, objective, balanced in his debates and candid. He was not known for emotional and empty political outbursts.”

Ethics minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo noted that Epak had left a record that would be envied by every politician. MP Mary Mugenyi said he was a gentleman who rightly deserved the title of “honourable.”
Cecilia Ogwal who attended to Epak while in South Africa, thanked the Government and Parliament for the support. She noted that Epak initiated many ideas but never claimed credit for them.

For MP Odonga Otto, Epak’s honesty was outstanding. “He one time had all the land in Kampala in his hands. He had the opportunity to own the whole of Kololo, but he did not even have a plot there.”

Several MPs called for the refurbishment of the cancer and heart institutes in Mulago Hospital, saying it would help many patients who are unable to travel abroad for treatment.

Epak’s wife, Martina Okullo, son Lameck and daughters Dorothy and Barbara were present in the House.

Epak, born in 1940, was a civil engineer and planner. He served in the Constituent Assembly in 1994. He thereafter represented Oyam South in Parliament till his death last week.