Oketta died of a blood clot in the lungs

Tributes have been paid to the fallen senior UPDF officer, Maj Gen Julius Oketta.

The motion to pay tribute to former UPDF MP was moved by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kizza.

In a special sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, Rugunda said Maj Gen Oketta retired from the army in 1992, but due to his skills, the President asked him to come back.

"Oketta was a great Ugandan and servant of the people," Rugunda said.

According to Dr. Rugunda, Oketta died of a blood clot in the lungs.

" Oketta was a smart gentleman both in character and dressing," Kizza said.

Oketta was born on March 10, 1956. His commitment to service encouraged many graduates to join UPDF. He acquired a doctorate in philosophy, two masters and other certificates.

Oketta is survived by nine children and a wife.

The army has organised a requiem mass Tuesday beginning at 10:00am at Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya.

Between 4:00pm and 5:00pm, the body will lie in state at Gulu district Council Hall.

Burial is set for Wednesday at Maj. Gen. Oketta's ancestral home in Pabo village, Gulu, starting at 10:00am.