Napak RDC Pays Tribute to Late Hon. Patrick Apun, MP Emeritus of Bokora County.
By Okidi Patrick
NAPAK,UGANDA-31 January 2026 – In a solemn burial ceremony attended by thousands of mourners, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Milton Odongo of Napak District hailed the life and legacy of the late Hon. Patrick Apun, MP Emeritus for Bokora County. Apun, who died on 25 January 2026 after a prolonged illness, was remembered as a unifying figure who helped steer Karamoja, Teso, Acholi, Lango and the wider nation toward peace and democratic governance.
A Legacy Rooted in the 1994 Constituent Assembly
When the late MP took the floor at the 1994 Constituency Assembly (CA), he helped lay the groundwork for the constitution that was promulgated in October 1995. “The late Hon. Patrick Apun left a legacy that cannot be forgotten,” RDC Odongo told the gathered crowd. “He was a peacemaker who brought unity and reconciliation among the peoples of Karamoja and beyond.”
The RDC underscored Apun’s role in the historic assembly that birthed Uganda’s current constitutional framework, noting that the principles debated then continue to guide today’s political landscape.
Celebrating Democratic Milestones:
The funeral service doubled as a celebration of recent democratic achievements in Napak. Odongo praised the “strong democratic values” displayed by voters in the just‑concluded presidential, parliamentary and local council elections held on 15 January 2026.
“The people of Bokora, Napak and the whole of Karamoja voted overwhelmingly for the NRM presidential flag‑bearer, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who secured 93.69 % of the vote,” he said. “This reflects the fundamental change the NRM government has brought over the past 40 years—peace, infrastructure development, improved service delivery, freedom of speech and respect for human rights.”
He proceeded to congratulate the newly elected officials:
Hon. Peter Locap– Bokora East MP (NRM)
Hon. Faith Nakuth (Mama) – Woman MP for Napak District (NRM)
Hon. Emmanuel Ilukol – (Independent) MP for Bokora County
Hon. Paul Kodet – LCV Chairman for Napak (unopposed)
Hon. Peter Sagal Loporon – LCV Councilor ( unopposed ), Lotome Sub‑County
Twenty (20) LCV Councilors – elected under the NRM party ticket.
Calls for Unity and Service:
RDC Odongo urged the newly elected leaders to “serve the electorate with humility, dignity and a spirit of cooperation.” He warned against “partisan politics, divisionism and identity‑based politics,” emphasizing that development in Karamoja hinges on a collaborative relationship between elected officials and the central government.
“We must rise above politics of ‘us or them’ and focus on delivering services that improve lives,” he stressed. “The security apparatus— the UPDF, Police and intelligence services— will continue to safeguard our hard‑won peace.”
He also thanked the District Security Committee and the Karamoja Security Cluster, led by retired General Lakara Nakibus, for his“effective mobilisation that made the January 15th, 2026 elections peaceful across Karamoja.”
Post‑Election Security Sensitisation:
In the days ahead, the RDC announced a series of security‑sensitisation programmes slated for grassroots communities across Napak’s sub‑counties – Nabwal, Nabilatuk, Iriiri, Lotome and Poron – as well as radio talkshows on FM Radio stations. The initiative aims to educate citizens on constitutional roles, prevent “cross‑border interference” and strengthen community reporting to intelligence agencies.
Hon. Patrick Apun’s passing marks the end of a distinguished public‑service career that spanned the pivotal moments of Uganda’s constitutional history and the recent consolidation of peace in the Karamoja sub‑region. As the sun set on his burial at mourners reflected on his words, his deeds, and the promise he left for a more united, democratic Uganda. Infact Karamoja mourns a “peace‑maker” as the region reflects on his role in Uganda’s 1994 Constituent Assembly and recent electoral successes.
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