Akbar Nekyon: Former minister dies aged 86

May 04, 2018

Nekyon will be remembered for his "high descriptive proficiency in Luo, economic acumen and educative communication".

DEATH

KAMPALA - Akbar Adoko Nekyon, who previously served as minister in various Ugandan departments, has died in Kampala at the age of 86.

Born on August 6, 1931, Nekyon was related to former Ugandan president Apollo Milton Obote.

Obote's son Jimmy Akena, who leads the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party, confirmed his death to local media.

Nekyon, who served as a minister in the early days of the NRM government, died Friday afternoon at Nsambya Hospital.

In 2013, Nekyon was admitted with a reported spine complication, which was later corrected through an operation.

 

 

'We have played our part'

When former DP president John Ssebaana Kizito died last year, New Vision's David Lumu called up Nekyon for a comment on his colleague's passing. Here, he shares that exchange.

"Hi,  Hon Nekyon?" I asked. "Your friend, John Kizito, the former Kampala  Mayor is now with the Lord.  Kindly share your fond memories of this gentleman, who shaped this country's city politics. Nekyon replied: "You said it is Lumu from New Vision?. Let me be  brief... I am also waiting for the Lord, you have referred to,  to call me.  Our time has come.  We have played our part... I am down,  so low, I can't comment about my DP friend,  John. I am here waiting for God to call me. "

 



A cousin of Obote, Nekyon held leadership positions in a number of political parties, including UPC and Democratic Party (DP).

The former member of parliament held various ministerial posts. He served as minister of information and tourism, minister for planning and community affairs, minister for agriculture, forestry and co-operatives, minister for health.

He was also general manager of the defunct Uganda Airlines.

A close family source said Nekyon will be remembered for his "high descriptive proficiency in Luo, economic acumen and educative communication".

According to Akena, the fallen veteran politician will be laid to rest in his native Chegere in Apac district on Saturday.

 

AKBAR ADOKO NEKYON PROFILE

• Born August 6, 1931 at Akokoro, Lango district to chief Jekeri Akaki and Abisagiri Koli

• Went to Ibuje Primary, Ngora Secondary and Kings College Budo

• Joined Kerala University (India) for 5 years and obtained masters in economics with political science

• Served in the colonial civil service as a clerk-interpreter for one year

• Elected and served as the first president of FUFA in 1968 after change of name from UFA

• Engineered formation of FUFA from UFA

• Founded the first Uganda National Football League in 1968

• Founded the National Council of Sports in 1964 and appointed Mr Bataringaya Basil as the 1st chairman of NCS

• Got to love football from his Elder brother Erifazi Odur

• He has received several honors in relation to his contributions to various aspects in Uganda that is; he was honored by parliament of the Republic of Uganda during the 50th independence anniversary celebration for life time achiever for Uganda, Awarded Honorary PhD by Makerere University for his tremendous contribution to field of academics (English literature- published five literature
Books)

• Served as a member of parliament of the legislative assembly in the parliament of Uganda for 18 years including constituent assembly

• Served as a cabinet minister in Uganda government for seven years

• Served as the general manager of the defunct Uganda Airlines

 

 

 

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