The Teso region is grieving the loss of veteran journalist and former Member of Parliament for Amuria County, Hon. Onapito Ekomoloit. His passing was announced earlier today by Hon. Mike Mukula, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, through a social media post.
In his message, Mukula expressed the deep sorrow felt by both the Teso community and the nation. “It is with profound sadness and pain that I announce the passing of our brother, Hon. Onapito Ekomoloit (RIP), a veteran journalist and former MP for Amuria County,” he shared, noting that further details would follow.
Onapito was the current Board Chairman of Nile Breweries Ltd and a member of the council of elders at St. Peter’s College Tororo. He previously held the role of Corporate Affairs Director at Nile Breweries and was a founding figure of the Crusader Newspaper, which closed following the collapse of Greenland Bank.
He worked for The Monitor, one of Uganda’s leading newspapers before contesting for Amuria Member of parliament in 1998 where he served for one term and was appointed a Presidential Press Secretary by President Yoweri Museveni in 2002. His legal expertise and communication skills made him an effective bridge between the government and the people, and he worked on several national policies, particularly those focused on governance and media relations
In the past year, Onapito published his book “Tears & Triumph” and married his wife Cathy in February. His first wife, Margaret Aanyu, who served as Chief Magistrate in Soroti, passed away in October last year.
Wafula Oguttu, his former Editor-in-Chief, paid tribute to him: “Ona! One of the finest in journalism. Humble yet defiant in making your point without offense, always respectful of tradition. You’ve made your mark and left lasting footprints. Farewell, Ona. Rest in victory.”
Other colleagues and friends also offered condolences, praising his contributions to journalism. Don Wanyama, former press secretary, remarked: “Onapito Ekomoloit was a good man—knowledgeable, respectful, and humble. Each encounter with him was a learning experience. We mourn with his family, the people of Teso, and the media fraternity. May he be received with favor.”
Ekomoloit, a towering figure in Uganda’s media and political landscape, had a career spanning decades. His work as a journalist, particularly his advocacy for press freedom, left a lasting impact on Uganda’s media. He later transitioned to politics, representing Amuria County in Parliament, where he was known for his dedication to his constituents’ welfare.
Parliament spokesman Chris Obore also honored him: “An icon. A gentleman. Humble, yet intellectually profound. Teso didn’t deserve to lose you. It’s painful, and it hurts.”
Beyond his contributions to journalism and politics, Ekomoloit was widely admired for his efforts to uplift the Teso region, championing numerous initiatives to improve the lives of local communities. His passing is a significant loss, not just for Amuria, but for the entire nation.
