The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Aloysious Kasoma
Parliament in a special plenary Wednesday afternoon session paid tribute to the fallen former Erute South legislator in Lira district, John Odit.
Chaired by deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, MPs hailed Odit’s contributions to the legislature where he served for 10 years.
The motion to pay tribute to late Odit was moved by Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and was seconded by the opposition Chief Whip Winfred Kiiza.
The Premier described Odit as a tolerant politician who was open to divergent views although he was member of the opposition, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
“He was a gentleman and peace loving Ugandan. A good legislator, listener and good leader and would sometimes be misunderstood by his decision who was committed to his work.” He said
“The late Odit will be remembered for his contribution to the development Uganda and Lango sub region in particular. His enormous knowledge in agricultural matters and his expertise added values to the agriculture which he once chaired,” Mbabazi added.
Odit, former secretary general of UPC was defeated in the 2011 Parliamentary elections by Sam Engola of NRM.
Odit was admitted in Kampala International hospital with stroke before being transferred to Mulago where he passed away.
In the previous Parliament Odit chaired the Commissions Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises committee which handled the National Social Security Services Temangalo land scandal.
“As Lango parliamentary group and Uganda we definitely missed his service because he was a very objective opposition politician even the President knows,” said Ajuri County MP Denis Obua.
Before climbing political ladder Odit taught at Lira Town College and lectured at National Teachers college Ngetta. He holds Master’s degree in agricultural econometric, Master’s in agriculture and a visiting lecturer in one of the universities in the UK.
