Lawyer With A Heart For The Acholi

Denis Ocwich
AT first sight, Frank Okello Abe looks an introvert and a bureaucrat – those proud, arrogant types who like to keep their distance.
But a few minutes chat with him quickly dispels this impression. The well built gentleman is lively, outgoing and loves to hang out with friends, regardless of their status.
Having lived more than one third of his 38- year life in London, Abe speaks English with a slight accent, but is proud of his roots. He says that when in London, his mind keeps flying back to Gulu – and the thousands of children whose future lies in balance because of the Kony war in northern Uganda. He also misses local dishes from Acholiland such as akeyo, boo, malakwang, odii and kwon-kal.
When Abe first came to Uganda in 1997, he thought of starting a business but it soon dawned on him that he could help further the education of displaced children in northern Uganda. He then started sending textbooks and computers from Britain to local schools in Gulu.
“Over the last four years, I have mobilised about 4,000 and 30 computers,” he reveals.
The books are mostly for Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Geography and History.
To date, the beneficiaries schools include: Koch-Goma School, St. Joseph’s College, Gulu Senior Secondary school, Gulu High School and Sacred Heart Girls Senior Secondary School.
By early August, Abe says he still had some books in Gulu waiting to be supplied to schools in Kitgum, Pader and other districts in the poverty-stricken and war torn region.
“I am inspired by the determination of the children of the north to study. Despite the war, they always endure,” he says. “I don’t have enough money to start an NGO to help them... but I think if I chip in with these books they may give the children a better future.”
The textbooks, he says, are donated free -of-charge to him by educational institutions in London. But that would not have been possible without his good relations there. He explains: “Schools say ‘we are changing our curricula and are throwing these books away, do you need them?’”
Abe is a lawyer with Chris Dale and Company Solicitors, and holds a master’s degree in international business law from De Montfort University. He also has a post-graduate certificate in Education from Kingston University which he pursued due to his passion to further the education of his people.
“In my family we have obtained success through education,” he say. “So I think Ugandans should support the education of our young people.”
“If you think you are through learning, then you are through,” he adds quoting his basketball coach.
Abe, the 14th born of 17 children, went to Gulu Town School, Gulu Public School, St. Mary’s School Nairobi and Nabumali High School for O-Level before sitting for A-Level at Caltec Academy in the late 1980s.
Abe is a sportsman like his late father Julio Abe, an ex-district commissioner who was also once a national football coach and the Federation of Uganda Football Associa tion’s boss in 1981. At Caltec Academy he captained the school’s basketball team, which won the national schools championships trophy twice. His team mates then included Pinto Walusimbi and Paddy Lubega.
“Those were the hey days of my basketball career,” recalls a beaming Abe, who now coaches and plays for Winsor Boys’ Basketball team in London. He is also grooming a basketball team in Gulu.
Reflecting on the enormous sports talents in the north, Abe says: “Even with the war, some of the most promising athletes are from the north. It goes back to the days of Akii Bua, Denis Obua and Catherine Ayaa. If the north settles down, Uganda will miss out on sports talents.”
In order to end the war, he urges all Ugandans to join hands with the northerners.
“We have to promote the north as one of the most resourceful and productive regions of the country. Let us support institutions like Gulu University. And if possible let us start a scholarship scheme for children of this region.”
Those who know Abe describe him as a charitable man with many friends. Indeed during our interview he received calls in rapid succession on his two mobile phones from near and far.
“He is a generous and worthy friend,” remarks Abdallah Jjunju, the proprietor of Victoria Tavern on Kampala Road. Jjunju, who has known Abe for a long time adds: “But as a person he has very expensive taste.”
Katende Muganwa, who was at school with Abe says: “He always wanted to be part of the movers and shakers. It is amazing that he has not become a politician. May be he will become a politician!”
But does Abe think he is a politician in the making.
“I am a philanthropist, a lawyer, teacher and then businessman,” he says.
To confirm his commitment in investment, he was in Uganda to launch the Uganda Telecom services in Gulu, where his company 125 Global.com, was awarded a contract to be its authorised dealer.
He has also promised to keep seeking help from the United Kingdom for needy Ugandans, especially from the north. He appeals to fellow Ugandans living abroad is to start similar schemes and if possible launch a scholarship pool to help educate poor Ugandans.
Ends