The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Parliament has asked the government to release a detailed plan regarding the return of the remains of the former Ethics and Integrity Minister, Fr. Simon Lokodo from Geneva, Switzerland.
Fr. Lokodo 64, died on January 29th, 2022 while on official duties as a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission where President Yoweri Museveni deployed him after dropping him from the Cabinet.
During the plenary on Tuesday, the Bukooli County MP, Solomon Silwany raised a procedural matter questioning the government’s plans regarding the return of Fr. Lokodo’s remains and his burial arrangements.
He revealed that the deceased’s relatives have raised concern with the House leaders and Uganda Human Rights Commission about the return of the former minister’s body.
The Deputy Speaker Anita Among said that it was important for Parliament to know when the government would return Fr. Lokodo’s body since he was in Geneva on official duty.
In response, David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Co-operatives said that the government was working with UHRC to ensure that the body is brought back to Uganda, saying the final program will be out on Wednesday.
Fr. Lokodo served as Minister for Ethics for nearly 10-years. He previously served as a State Minister for Industry from 2009 to 2011, when he was appointed Minister for Ethics. He also represented Dodoth County in parliament.
Pope Benedict suspended him from priesthood when he joined elective politics. The late Fr. Lokodo held a Degree in Theology from Pontifical Urbaniana University and a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of Rome.
He also held a Diploma in Rural Sociology, a Diploma in Social Communication, Diploma in Philosophy and Social Science. He was instrumental in the enactment of the Anti-Pornography Act.
****
URN
