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The family through Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua have petitioned President Museveni seeking for his intervention to ensure that Okello is awarded medals and support is given to his family.
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The
family of Field Marshal John Okello want governments of Uganda and Tanzania to
declare him as an East African Hero for liberating Zanzibar in 1964.
They also want his unsung heroic contribution during the Zanzibar Revolution
that overthrew Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah recognized by both governments.
The family through Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua have petitioned President
Museveni seeking for his intervention to ensure that Okello is awarded medals
and support is given to his family.
Born on October 6th, 1937 at Anino village, in the present Alebtong district,
Okello was the leader of the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution.
Okello
fought for the liberation of the people of Zanzibar from slavery by barely
using sticks and wood. Okello was abducted by the late former president Iddi
Amin's soldiers on November 1973 from his home village in the then Alebtong
parish, Aloi Sub County in Lira district. He was taken to unknown destination
and he has never been seen again.
Bernard
Nyeko, the deceased family head says they want late Okello to be paid benefits
including pension since he also served in the former King’s African Riffle
between 1945 and 1952.
Obua
appealed to government through diplomatic approach to engage the government of
Tanzania over the matter.
//Cue in: “Field Marshal John Okello ….
Cue out: …. of his contribution,”//
EALA MP George Odongo says he will engage Tanzanian foreign department over the
matter.
According to MP Odongo, Okello greatly contributed in liberating Zanzibar,
therefore, he should be recognized and appreciated for his struggle in the
liberation.
Erin Akao, the deceased wife is optimistic that one day her late husband shall
be rewarded for his great liberation struggle.
She wondered why her late husband’s rare achievement and contribution in
liberating Zanzibar has never been recognized.
Okello returned in Uganda in early 1973 but was later arrested on September
9th, 1973, by Amin’s soldiers and subsequently killed.
