There was a somber mood in Teso sub-region on Monday morning following the news of the tragic accident that cost the life of Serere County MP, Patrick Okabe and his wife, Christine Okabe along Mbale- Tirinyi Road.
In Serere district, some people failed to report to their duty stations while others spent most of the day preoccupied with discussions of the sad news of Okabe’s demise. Several leaders whom our reporter called were not able to speak by midday.
Rt. Rev. Michael Okwi Esakan, the Bishop of Kumi diocese broke the silence after midday when he posted a message of hope on his social media page saying “Teso There is Hope amidst Affliction”. He said that Okabe’s demise adds to the sorrow following the demise of Bukedea district LC V chairperson, Moses Olemukan who died on Saturday.
“This News to Teso during this festive period is disheartening and distressful. We pray for calm, serenity, and courage that is God Almighty engineered for us all to contend with this double tragic reality”, he said in the post.
Bishop Okwi said that Okabe has been a man with a big heart, generous, and a transformative leader. “The projects of uplifting the livelihoods of our people in Serere are glaring and a good testimony for all to see. He was one of the MPs who generously contributed towards my consecration and enthronement as the 2nd Bishop of the Diocese of Kumi”, Bishop Esakan’s message reads.
Hellen Adoa, the Serere woman MP who doubles as Minister of State for Fisheries, said that Okabe’s demise is hard to explain. “It’s very difficult to understand God’s ways. But Okabe always preached about life after death. I believe the angels of God have received him and he is happy wherever he is”, Adoa said in a low tone. She described Okabe as a mentor, a powerful preacher/teacher, and a man with an open heart.
Phillip Oucor, Okabe’s neighbor and former competitor in the 2021 general elections, said that the district has lost a leader who valued humanity and impacted the lives of many people in Serere and beyond.
After hearing about the demise of Okabe, the Ngariam County MP who doubles as the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang canceled the fundraising drive where the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among was expected as Chief Guest on Thursday, December 22, 2022, in Katakwi.
“Following consultations with the Rt. Hon Speaker of Parliament, I would like to inform the general public that the Fundraising Drive which was scheduled to take place on Thursday has been postponed till further notice. A new date shall be communicated later,” Ogwang said in the notice on Katakwi Youth Parliamentary Group.
Okabe, the former chairperson of Teso Parliamentary Group was traveling to Kampala from his home in Mbale where he was on Sunday for prayers at his Church, Impact Ministries Uganda. The late Okabe is also the founder of Rhema High school in Soroti and Faith FM, a Christian radio station in Mbale City where he ran his church.
