Apac, Uganda | Speaking on behalf of Apac RDC Andrew Onyuk at the burial of UPDF recruit Dono Solomon, Jonal Okot, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Apac, called on young people not to be discouraged from joining the armed forces despite the tragic death of the recruit during a recent exercise.
Okot described Dono as a hero and patriot, noting that he had appeared healthy and fit on the recruitment day, motivated by a strong desire to serve his country.
He encouraged the family to take heart, reminding them that life and death are in God’s hands.
Okot also urged young people not to fear joining the armed forces due to such incidents and emphasized the importance of education, stating that academic qualifications remain a key requirement for anyone aspiring to join the forces in the future.
Alfred Jawaso Engim, LC III Chairperson of Ibuje Town Council, extended his condolences to the family and revealed that Dono had been involved in a motorcycle accident prior to the recruitment exercise.
Medical examinations, including X-rays, had shown internal injuries and bleeding, and he had been advised to avoid heavy physical activity.
Engim Jawaso added that the post-mortem results indicated Dono sustained internal tears from his previous injuries during the run, which led to severe bleeding and ultimately caused his death.
He cautioned mourners against spreading rumors linking Dono’s death to the UPDF, emphasizing that it was the pre-existing injuries that led to the tragedy, not the recruitment exercise itself.
Dono Solomon was laid to rest today in his ancestral home in Miciri B, Aberidwogo Ward, Ibuje Town Council, Apac District, with family, friends, and local leaders attending the funeral.
