Mzee Joel Hunter Wacha Olwol, a former member of the 1980 Presidential Commission of Uganda has passed on.
The 93 year old breathed his last at Kadic Hospital in Kampala this morning. His body is lying at Mulago Medical School.
Immediately, leaders in Lango sub region his home area, describe Mzee Wacha-Olwol as an icon of peace and and a hero.
Former Moroto county Member of Parliament Benson Obua Ogwal describes Wacha-Olwol as was one of the truly noble people who ever lived in this nation. He applauded the deceased for fighting his race and ending it like a hero whose legacy he says must be emulated by leaders in the region.
Ogwal says as one of the former members of the presidential commission, which was equivalent to the head of state at the time, Mzee Wacha-Olwol deserves an elaborate state funeral including being honoured by Parliament in a Special Session.
“Mzee Wacha Olwol was one of the truly noble leaders who ever led this nation without seeking the pomp and aura that go with that position. He belongs to the generation of selfless leaders who always sought the greater good. No wonder most Ugandans are just waking up to the reality that there was a three man Presidential Commission that led this country in 1980. Wacha was known as a forgotten President. We in Lango have him utmost respect and thank God that he lived a long and very fruitful life of a kind we must all emulate. May his soul rest in eternal peace” Obua told Howwe.
Former Oyam District woman Member of Parliament Beatrice Lagada, says Mzee Wacha-Olwol led a simple but honourable life, something she says is an indication that he was a down-to-earth person. She said he served the nation with honour and distinction describing him as a selfless and a truth-worthy person who should be remembered by the nation.
Uganda's Ambassador to London, Julius Peter Moto, says Mzee Wacha-Olwol died a hero whose life must be celebrated by patriotic Ugandans.
former Minister in charge of Northern Uganda and now Uganda's Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Rebbeca Amuge Otengo, says Wacha-Olwol left a strong legacy that must be respected and honoured by all Ugandans.
Richard Omara Awio, a youth leader says Wacha-Olwol's death is a big blow to the younger generation in the region. He says many youth in the region considered as their role model. Omara said he will remember him for living a life free of corruption, hatred and jealousy.
He challenged the youth to copy such a lifestyle in a bid to reshape Uganda.
Felix Okot Ogong, the Chairman Lango Parliamentary Group, says he has already informed government about Wacha-Olwol's death. He said a meeting of Lango leaders and government has been scheduled in the Prime Minister's office this morning to discuss burial arrangements.
Wacha-Olwol was a member and head of the three-man Presidential Commission that governed the affairs of the state of Uganda between May 22 and December 15, 1980. This was after the Military Commission headed by Paulo Muwanga and deputised by Yoweri Museveni overthrew the government of President Godfrey Binaisa.
The other members of the presidential commission were Justices Saulo Musoke and Polycarp Nyamuchoncho. It is this commission that handed over power to President Milton Obote after the December 12, 1980 general elections.
He is survived by 12 children.
