By George Emuron
BUKEDEA
Thousands of people on Saturday 20th, April 2024 turned up in big numbers to bid final farewell to the fallen lawyer, Raphael Okiot.
Counsel Okiot was laid to rest at his parent’s ancestral home in Sebei village, Kadesok parish in Komuge Sub County in Bukedea district.
Okiot died on Wednesday 17th, April 2024 on Nkumba- Entebbe road accident after a truck belonging to Zeyani brother’s limited rammed into his vehicle as he was on his way to Entebbe for official duty.
Okiot’s life ended on Wednesday 17th, April 2024 only at the age of 34 years.
The late was born on 9th, Jan, 1990 and obtained his educational career in Nswanjere seminary where he studied from primary one to primary seven, he late joined Kisubi seminary for ‘O’ level then joined Mbale College for advance level and finally joined Uganda Christian University Mukono for law and he obtained second class upper.
The deceased also joined the law development center for diploma and post graduate in law.
Afterwards he joined to work with Haldes Advocates as counsel (Lawyer), as well as lecturing law in Uganda Christian University.
The deceased had two wives and three children.
Counsel Tonny Tumukunde of Haldes Advocates who represented Uganda law society said it took one and half hours for the police to retrieve the body of the deceased from his car after the incident.
“We got shocked when we received information about our colleague demise, the people who were near the scene started calling the late phone contacts, but when we reached the scene, we couldn’t identify since all his car was crashed by the truck, police cannot cut his car at the scene because of the jam and we were asked to tow his car to the nearby police station that is when we managed to get his body”, said Mr Tumukunde.
Tumukunde also added that the late has been a very good hardworking man and he was dedicated to his work, he loved his family and was a generous man.
“We know it’s a painful moment but I lack even what to say, may the lord grant him eternal life”, said Tumukunde.
Mr. Peter Kayale, the late father in-law however appealed to the government to implement proper use of road safety equipment.
“This would not have happened if road user safety equipment were implemented, now we have lost a very important person at this tender age”, said Kayale.
Mr. Charles Okei, the Ikatekok Isengora clan chairperson said the government should intervene in order to ensure that the aggrieved family is compensated.
“This thing has happened to us and we are mourning peacefully but if it was to happen in other people’s homes, this mourning would have not taken place, so my appeal let the aggrieved family be looked after”, said Mr. Okei.
Mr. Paul Aolio the late’s father said Okiot was the only son he produced with three sisters of which two died now leaving him with only one daughter.
“Fellow mourners, it’s too painful. Last year again I lost my daughter, again this year I lost my only son, help me in your prayers and I want to urge those who have the capacity of producing to produce”, said Mr. Aolio.
However, because of the trying moments all Okiot’s wives were unable to communicate.
