Bosco Odoki, the Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee for the memorial prayers says the army has agreed to accord the Late Lapolo the gun salute during the memorial prayers, which wasn't possible at the time of his burial because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF is to
accord the former Gulu Resident District Commissioner, Major Santos Okot Lapolo
a gun salute, almost two months after his death and burial.
The late Major Lapolo succumbed to COVID-19 at
Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 9, 2021. He was laid to rest at
his ancestral home in Lujorungole Village in Orom Sub County in Kitgum district
two days after in line with COVID-19 burial guidelines.
Despite his rank and service in the army, there
was no gun salute accorded to the former RDC as the case is with all soldiers.
At the rank of Major, Lapolo was entitled to a 13-gun salute.
URN has learnt that the army has decided to
accord the deceased RDC a gun salute at his memorial service scheduled for March
13, 2021 at his ancestral home.
Bosco Odoki, the Chairperson of the Central
Organizing Committee for the memorial prayers says the army has agreed to
accord the Late Lapolo the gun salute during the memorial prayers, which wasn't possible at the time of his burial because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Stephen Odong Latek, the Gulu Resident District
Commissioner (RDC), says Lapolo deserves a benefitting sendoff by his comrades
because of his service as RDC, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and
Intelligence Officer.
//Cue in: ‘’Santos
worked with…
Cue out: …to be
recognized.’’//
Lapolo served UPDF from the early 1990s and held various
positions including being the Intelligence Officer (IO) at the Internal Affairs
Ministry. He was also a celebrated farmer and professional secondary school
teacher.
Emmy Daniel Ojara
Freelancer