Lira, Uganda – Preparations are underway for the burial of Rtd. Col. Tonny Otoa, a respected military officer and former Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Foundation, who passed away on Monday afternoon at his home in Boke, Lira City East Division. He was 85.
Patrick Okwir, the official spokesperson and publicity lead for the burial arrangements, said a final programme would be confirmed after a planning meeting scheduled for 3 PM today at the Apostolic Social Centre, opposite Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City.
He noted that while the official date is yet to be confirmed, the tentative burial is set for Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
Willie Omodo Omodo, the Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, said the extended mourning period was necessary to allow people sufficient time to pay their last respects.
He explained that, traditionally, when a clan head (Awitong) dies, the organising committee is chaired by another Awitong.
In this case, George Ojwang Opota, the Awitong of Omola Acol Odyek Onywal Iceng, had been elected to lead the committee.
He further urged the public and leaders to refrain from bringing political agendas into the burial process, emphasizing that Otoa’s contributions cut across all divides.
Born in 1940, Rtd. Col. Tonny Otoa served in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) as an Ammunition Technician.
He was part of the 1970s liberation war that led to the removal of President Idi Amin Dada.
During the conflict, he worked closely with Major Edward Rurangaranga under the 207 Brigade of Kikosi Maalum, a key Tanzanian-backed liberation force.
Following his military career, Otoa served as Prime Minister (head) of the Lango Cultural Foundation, where he played a pivotal role in championing unity, democracy and the preservation of Lango traditions.
Otoa as the Awitong (Clan Head) of the Abwor Clan was widely respected for his bravery, political acumen and lifelong dedication to the well-being of the people.
He was a strong advocate for rule of law, good governance and cultural integrity.
