Tonny Obonyo, a member of the deceased’s family, says Owiny was admitted two weeks ago after developing serious health complications. He says they are in talks with the authorities to ensure the deceased’s burial confirms with the standard operating procedures.
The former Mayor of Lira Municipality, Peter Owiny Guduzu
has succumbed to Coronavirus disease-COVID-19. Owiny died at Mulago National
Referral Hospital on Sunday where he had been admitted with general body weakness
and other complications.
The deceased’s family and the acting Lira District Health
Officer, Edmond Aceka has confirmed the 76-old former mayor succumbed to COVID-19.
Aceka told our reporter that he has linked up with a team from Mulago National
Referral Hospital to transport the body to Lira Regional Referral Hospital
where the COVID-19 burial team will take over.
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Tonny Obonyo, a member of the deceased’s family, says Owiny was admitted two
weeks ago after developing health complications. He says they are in
talks with the authorities to ensure the deceased’s burial conforms with the
standard operating procedures.
Several people have eulogized the late Owiny as a committed
leader.
Moris Odung Omara, who succeeded Owiny in 2011, described him as a devoted
leader who was a pillar for his guidance.
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Christ Ongom, the Lango Region UPC Vice-Chairperson, says Owiny will be
remembered for his leadership qualities and fight against corruption.
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Willy Omodo Omodo, a candidate for the
Lira City Mayoral seat has equally praised
Owiny as a true and genuine UPC member.
"Peter Owiny Guduzu was a very humble
personality who treasured pursuing clean leadership. The reason he introduced
the popular “Wimeja” slogan of doing things openly on the table,” he said.
Owiny, who was elected on the Uganda People’s Congress-UPC
ticket served as mayor of Lira municipality for two consecutive terms from
2001-2006 and 2006-2011.
In 2006, Owiny went back to school. He was admitted to
study a degree in Public Administration at Gulu University with the aim of
reclaiming his seat in the 2011 general elections after he was accused of being
less educated.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer