Tribute Brochure final

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Tribut e from HE Yoweri Museveni Gen (Rtd) 2

Aggrey was, definitely, an outstanding person and a good debater in addition to being a sportsman of considerable stature ... 3

Tribut e from HE Uhuru Kenyatta, C.G.H 4

... a person may die, but his legacy will continue through his deeds 5

Tribut e from Prime Minister & 1st Deputy Prime Minister 6

Tribut e from Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, EGH 7

Tribut e by Thelma, his wife of 44 years of marriage #My thanks go to To His Excellency, the President Yoweri Museveni To Hon Dr. Speciozia Kazibwe, To Hon Cecilia Ogwal, James Ogoola and Peter Ogutu and their families for being real brothers to me and Uncles for the Children, The Awori Family, especially the Uncles and Aunts for their guidance, Friends here in Uganda and around the world for your support and kindness, The women’s movement in Uganda, the organizations I work with, The children for their strength and courage to take on this heavy burden, please continue to pray for them. When I was 20, I hocked my wagon to a man on the move, an unstoppable man, hurtling through life as if there were no obstacles because he saw none. Everything was possible. When he decided he wanted to marry me, the rules did not permit transfers between the Seven Sisters, a group of top women’s colleges in the eastern part of the United States. Our marriage would have meant a transfer from Mt. Holyoke College to Radcliffe College which was in the process of merging with Harvard College. He went to the Dean and got him to give an exemption which enabled me to leave Mt. Holyoke, join Radcliffe and become one of the first class of Radcliffe to get Harvard degrees. That just began a series of moves I would make in life following this man on the move. I moved to Uganda and learned to call it home. We moved to Kenya as pursued refugees, then back to Uganda in the second government of Milton Obote. He was then assigned to the USA as Minister Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary and later to Belgium as Ambassador. 8

After all this, my eyes were open to the world and I began to make of people, only answer the exact question they ask and don’t tell a few moves of my own. First to London to work for an international them anything else. It gives them ammunition to finish you.” church based organization. Then I went to work with the UN in several assignments, New York, Zimbabwe and then back to New Aggrey could confuse you with information, packing it to make York. During this time Aggrey hurtled back and forth between it serve some purpose or another. I often had to depend on my Uganda and wherever I was. It was no longer just the man on the trusted friend Peter Ogutu to help me decipher and make sense of move; we now became a family in movement finding ways of getting so much happening around me. together and managing ourselves. Information was his forte Aggrey would enter the house and put on the radio, the TV and anything else that made music or news all at the same time. He never wanted to leave home before reading the newspapers. Much of this information he gleaned listening to BBC or other radio stations right through the night, even as he slept. I finally learned to live with this habit until it also became my habit, sleeping with the radio on. He loved to be the first with information. I remember the time he came home mischievously happy he had caused panic in Parliament informing the House that there was a volcanic eruption on Mt Elgon when in fact it was a small eruption on the Kenyan side of the mountain. He taught me a lot about how to play around with information. Once we were entering Nairobi and a plain clothes security personnel said to him, “Hey my friend, where from this time?” Aggrey responded, “The usual”, laughed and moved on. Later I said to him what kind of an answer was that, he explained that the guy was obviously security acting as if they were friends, so if he was really a friend he would have known where the usual meant. And that was that. Another time I was giving more information to an immigration officer than needed and he said to me, “Honey, for those kinds 9

Man of big and exciting ideas, if you bought into them you should One thing we did not do, was to go to church, and that was a big know that you would be the one to implement them. He was the mistake. But God did not neglect us. We survived on the huge bank thinker, the dreamer and he dreamed big. He believed in going for account of prayers left by our parents on both sides. We now stand the top. Yes he dreamed of being the president of Uganda. His stab in eternal gratitude for his mercy, forgiveness and his kindness. at it taught him that it takes more than dreaming and desiring; it takes the nitty gritty work of putting the small things in place to I am glad I hocked my wagon to this gentle giant from Uganda. I eventually make the big dreams come true, but that was not his loved him deeply even after he broke my heart. I forgave him for strength. He wanted everyone to think big, see farther and see that. Thank you for loving him and for forgiving him also for any greatness. Out of these dreams came the University of Busitema, mistakes he made or pain he might have caused you. the education of children. I remember once he asked me why was it that we women always thought of small projects and not big ones. May His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace and May Light Perpetual Shine He so much believed in equality for women. Upon Him. He controlled/commanded the stage in every arena; in sports, in politics, in oratory. He loved Parliament. It gave him a stage to push forward his ideas for the Uganda he wanted to see, to demand accountability from duty bearers, to advocate for social justice. He loved Uganda. No one was going to make him a Kenyan, he was a Ugandan. The Kenyans accepted him for who he said he was. Aggrey had a zest for life, a lot of energy. He went for the best and had the best, good looks, good education and a powerful charisma. We were an enviable young couple. We danced and partied, hosting many parties at our home. When Sidney Poitier came to Uganda we hosted a party for him at our home. 10

Tribut e by Children Nabongo, Baisama, Samia, Taaka, Nafula, Wasya and Sadat We welcome you all to celebrate the life of a great Man whom Our Father was Pan-Africanist and made us proud of our identity we were blessed to have as a Father. Our Father was a kind and as Africans. This can also be as reflected in the Names our Parents generous man who was rare to anger and always ready to help gave us. In addition to being a Pan-Africanist, Mzee was Gender the less advantaged even if (when) he did not always have the sensitive and made sure all the Women in our homestead excelled. resources. Our homestead is and has always been called Home He supported our Mother in her quest to reach the highest levels by many Children. There was never a dull moment with our Father. of Education and Professional achievement in her international He was a maverick who “Ate Life with a Big Spoon”. He liked to career. He was similarly thrilled for example when my Sister (Taaka) live well and challenged us to aspire to achieve the best we could was admitted to the same Harvard University where he met our achieve within our God-given talents. His appetite for the best was Mother. Our Parents despite the politically-related challenges they reflected in the kinds of exotic Cars he drove and choice of Homes periodically faced ensured we were all educated in World-Class and Neighborhoods to reside. Our Father loved Music and as far international Universities. We were pushed to excel and succeed in back as 1966, I could confidently sing James Brown Soul Songs life with the solutions being handed over on a silver platter. when I was only 2 years old. 11

Our Father was an optimist who rarely showed fear or worry and was very courageous. Where others would despair, Mzee was always quick to remind us that “Miracles Do Happen”. He always had a trick up his sleeve when faced with a difficult situation. We indeed experienced one Miracle in the 1970’s when as young Children we witnessed Mzee’s kidnapping right in front of our eyes. Up until today we thank The Lord for allowing him to survive that incident during Uganda’s difficult days of political turmoil. Our Father was a great Orator and we thank him for imparting the gift of Speech to almost all of us. That gift of Communication was an Asset in his Political Career. His Political Career when matched with his generosity meant Breakfast and Lunchtime was called for, for the entire Village. As Children we learned to share from those experiences. Our Father was an avid reader and extremely attentive to events in World affairs. During our childhood in the 1970’s, his Radio was one of his prized possessions and always tuned to BBC. Up until today, we are all die-hard BBC radio enthusiasts, learned from what Mzee taught us. In summary and closing, we thank The Lord for the 80+ Years you spent with us. There were many close calls when he could have gone earlier but The Lord has his Plans and Schedule. We will Miss you dearly and look forward to seeing you again on the other side. May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. 12

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Tribut e from t he In-Laws KENNETH & MAE GENE BEST unorthodox means to meet the challenges his nation faced and that he faced as an individual. Aggrey loved Uganda. Even though he lived in Kenya for a long time during and after the Amin regime, and the majority of his family reside there, he looked forward to returning to Uganda and serving. During that time, he always sought a way to serve his country and his people. He demonstrated serious interest in what was happening in Uganda, even though sometimes it was dangerous to do so. Amin had many spies in Kenya. But he never allowed fear to diminish his love for the country. So when the time came for him to return to Uganda, he re-entered and pursued its best interest. He returned to politics and because he had good roots in his home of Busia and especially Kibimba, he had no problem winning their confidence and became elected to parliament representing his people. The Best, Traub, Stewart and Clinton families of Haindi, Crozierille, He looked out for the poor and Sanoyea, and Monrovia, Republic of Liberia wish to express our disadvantaged in his society and deepest condolences to the Awori Family for the loss of our in- did his best to stand up for their law, H.E. Hon. Aggrey Siryoyi Awori. We join our beloved Thelma rights. Traub Awori, former wife of Aggrey, in identifying with their children and the entire Awori Family of Uganda and Kenya in this time of He loved his family and we loved him. He will be sorely missed. bereavement. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and may His comforting We remember Aggrey Awori as a fellow journalist, a brother presence meet you at your point of need. and colleague in our esteemed profession. Like us, he built his career wrestling with the turmoil that afflicted our continent as it Kenneth and Mae Gene Best - Monrovia, Liberia. strengthened its post colonial legs and came into its own. Aggrey was courageous, willing to put himself in harm’s way for what he believed in. He was a maverick, willing to take risks in applying 14

Tribut e from Grandchildren A limb has fallen from the family tree that says, “Grieve not for me. sense of style not only in his dressing or the look of his car park, Remember the best times, the laughter and song, the good life I but also in the way he interacted with the community. had while I was strong.” To many, Aggrey Awori was known as a great politician, historian, Happiness, jokes, laughter, these are the words that defined our economist and many more but to us, he was our loving grandfather. dearly beloved grandpa. To us, he was a gentle giant, the epitome A man so enthusiastic and full of life that each moment we spent of what it meant to work hard and be successful but also live life with him we never saw so much as a frown on his face. to the fullest. Always the flamboyant one, he inspired us with his 15

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Grandpa was an excellent story-teller, we never had a dull moment with him. All his stories were shrouded in mystery, there was always an element of surprise in his stories as they always seemed somewhat unbelievable, however, he was never short of witnesses to back these interesting stories. These made grandpa seem like an award winning movie star. Kibimba to us was always complete with him around because he always made us and everyone around him feel right at home. Grandpa made Kibimba worth looking forward to each festive season, spending a few nights here each year has left us with beautiful memories that we will hold on to for life. His 80th birthday celebration in this very compound will now be known as one of the most precious moments for us as grandchildren because we all came together to celebrate this wonder of a man, a man we are all proud to call grandpa. Little did we know that for some of us that celebration would be the last time we would see him and for that we will be eternally grateful. His legacy shall definitely live on through us since it is possible to see a little bit of him in each of us. We shall miss him dearly and while we wish we had more time to spend with him, we are grateful that we all got to experience his love and his warmth with the time we had. Grandpa you will be missed beyond measure. 9th July, 2021. 17

Tribut e from Sister CHRISTINE HAYANGA A HEART OF GOLD I mourn my brother whose love for his family and siblings will never be matched. Aggrey had a heart of gold. He was a caring person who had interest in the welfare of his family and siblings. He was so generous that he would give away everything he had to help others. He was keen to know how his siblings were doing, whether in studies, work or business. When we were young, during the school holidays, our brothers would help the shepherds to take our parent’s cows for grazing. We used to enjoy grazing animals when it was Aggrey’s turn. It was a rough job as one could encounter sharp thorns, snakes, muddy and swampy grounds etc. The dress code for grazing animals excluded shoes which we wore when visiting or on special occasions. For my sister Mary and I, this was an exciting adventure which we looked forward to. We would sneak out and follow Aggrey when it was his turn to graze the cows. He would willingly take us but before the end of the day, we would be tired and hungry so we would start crying demanding that he takes us back home. He would willingly carry us on his back and return us home without complaining or disciplining us. He would be happy that we had an enjoyable day as shepherds! As we were growing up, we came to learn that Aggrey was a humorous story teller who always made us laugh. He would sometimes imitate village peoples voices in such a funny way that we wanted him to continue telling more stories to make us happy and laugh. 18

Aggrey introduced us to BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). He mastered English Language very early in Primary School (remember English was not spoken in the village those days). He would persuade us to listen to BBC news where The Queen’s English was spoken. We did not understand much of the foreign accent but he made sure that he translated to us what the world news was about and he even added other stories. Aggrey enjoyed sharing news, information, knowledge and educating his siblings on what was happening which trend he carried up to the end. I joined Nabumali High School in Form One, Aggrey was in Form Four and he took care of me. The school was very large and intimidating but Aggrey showed me the various facilities and made me so comfortable that I did not feel homesick during my first year in a boarding school. Aggrey also trained me in Athletics, particularly how to compete in the 100 metre run and high jump. Although I did not excel beyond the Inter School House Competition, I enjoyed athletics because of his training. I cannot forget Aggrey’s visit to check on me during my first year at Dar-es- Salaam College. His visit made me very happy. He was very caring. MY BROTHER HAD A HEART OF GOLD. MAY THE GOOD LORD REST HIM IN ETERNAL PEACE. 19

Tribut e from Sister MARY OKELLO FOND MEMORIES OF AGGREY AWORI Aggrey was compassionate, selfless, fearless and generous to a fault. Wherever he went he carried gifts for everybody. I have a My brother Aggrey was larger than life. A great man with a very wardrobe full of West African clothes that he bought me. big heart. He was kind, loving, caring and protective. He was so protective of us his younger sisters that he would chase away bad Aggrey was fearless and whenever my parents travelled and left boys from making advances to us. him in charge of us we were never afraid. He was a great orator and would use his oratory skills to persuade Aggrey touched many people’s lives by his kindness, compassion my father to reduce punishment to us. and love. Aggrey loved and adored his family and always shared with us his wife’s, children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. I loved him dearly. 20

Tribut e from Brot her WILLIS AWORI TRIBUTE TO MY FALLEN DEAR BROTHER. You shaped my life, influenced my career and my ultimate destiny. I will never forget that. You were the epitome of selfless-ness. You cared more for the welfare of others than your own self. If it meant you starve and someone else eats, so be it, you would do it without a second thought! As far as you were concerned, no price was too high to pay for your family. Family was your Soul! You were the master negotiator, shuttling between global capitals, between Washington and Tripoli, London and Brussels .These were but a flight apart. You were the trusted emissary whom Presidents could send to talk to guerillas in the bush and then talk to Generals in their armoured cars! Being in the bush with “the boys” was no big deal, just a detour on an interesting journey of life! In the corporate world you were best suited to head the Research & Development (R&D) Division because your ideas were often seen as too futuristic, idealistic and not do-able and yet time always vindicated you. In sports you believed there was no record that could not be broken as long as one puts their heart to it and commits to disciplined practice. In life, you liked all the fine things of life and you had exquisite taste for good wine, good cars, beautiful clothes, beautiful houses, exclusive furniture et al. You came, you played your role on the global stage and now you have left when the audience was still “calling for more”, but that was God’s will which we respect and accept. To some of us you are irreplaceable. There is a void in our lives which will take time to fill if ever. It is sad that you have left us but that is God’s will. Fare thee well my dear brother till we meet again. Your kid brother, Willis. 21

Tribut es fromNephews & Nieces Words alone cannot express the warmth, laughter and joy that diaspora, spending time with Uncle would challenge anyone into Uncle Aggrey brought into whatever situation or place he ventured. believing that you still needed to dream bigger. He was approachable, likeable, impressionable, respectable and a friend to many - young, old, affluent, poor, relation or not, and Perhaps one of the highlights of spending time with Uncle, especially therefore an example to us all on how to relate well with people. in the recent past, would be to hear him narrate his escapades in Uncle exuded warmth and welcomed all into his home and life, I the bush as they prepared to liberate Uganda from the tyrant Idi recall with such joy how he welcomed Jo, my newlywed wife in the Amin Dada. Traversing through Kenya into Uganda but staying away mid-eighties. from the main roads and having to seek shelter in very challenging settings, and eventually listening of the final victory, was what any Uncle Aggrey dared to do things that many of us could only movie producer would have yearned to depict. imagine about in our wildest dreams. So many incidents come to mind- recalling Uncle practicing at the KIA (now Kenya School of Yes, Uncle you set an example to all of us as a selfless, loveable Government) sports field the 110m hurdles- he had such fluidity leader, uncle, advisor and friend. We shall truly miss you, but we and character as he went over the hurdles, making it all look so thank God for the wonderful years and experiences He allowed us easy. Many years later his home in South London or Kent, would to share with you. turn out to be a favorite weekend stopover for many of us in the 22

Dear Baisama, Nabongo, Samia, Taaka, Nafula, Wasya and the entire The above are just the oldest of my many fond memories of Uncle Uncle Aggrey Awori family, Aggrey. However, what I take most out of his life are his unrelenting pursuit of his dreams, amazing achievements and most of all the Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences following the humility, grace and good nature with which he took everything. loss of our dear Uncle Aggrey. I hope that you will get some comfort Throughout the ups and downs of life I only ever saw a cheerful, from the knowledge that he touched so many of us through his happy and supportive Uncle. He came to Kenya many times for unique qualities that have left a lasting impact. various weddings and other family occasions - sometimes driving from Kampala to Nairobi. I remember one time he did this and I remember growing up and being inspired by his athletic didn’t even appear exhausted. He was ready for the day after a achievements at Harvard and the Olympics. Mum would show us good night’s sleep. It would take me longer to recover from a drive his pictures and tell us of his various achievements. My favourite to Mombasa or Kisumu! picture was one of him coming out of the blocks at what seemed like an impossible angle. It inspired me to also try and become It is unfortunate that we are not able to be physically together as a an Olympian but over time my natural ability took over and reality family but I want to let you know that we are with you in spirit and sunk in. will follow the service online. We continue to pray for your healing and comfort and pray that dear Uncle’s soul may rest in eternal I have various memories of Uncle Aggrey, which go back to around peace. 1977/78 when we lived with him for a brief period - around 3 months if my memory serves me right. It was between when our family God bless each and every one of you and your families. moved out of the house on Riara Road that is now Makini School and when we moved into a house in Lang’ata (before later moving With love from, to Karen where mum now is). I was only 7 but it was so enjoyable to Laurence, Christine, Jessica, Amber and Nathan come to the beautiful house in Loresho and hear Uncle’s amazing and amusing stories. .............................................................................................................................. Our stay coincided with the first Muhammad Ali v Leon Spinks I remember in 1985, when I had just finished my university studies fight. Uncle had a replay of the fight on a large screen projector in North Carolina USA, Uncle Aggrey and Aunty Thelma, invited me that was beyond the realms of imagination for the 7-year old me. to their house in Maryland (Uncle was the Ugandan Ambassador) Another fond memory was when he told me that he was always as they arranged for my ticket back home to Kenya. I stayed at alert and slept with one eye open. I couldn’t tell whether he was their house for a few days, as he arranged for Aunty Perris (uncle’s joking or serious and wondered how it could be. Later as I grew up I eldest sister who had come to the US for medical treatment ) and I obviously understood it to have been a light hearted comment but to fly back home via London and Entebbe, where Aunty Perris was it also had a different and more mature interpretation. dropped off, and I proceeded to Nairobi. 23

Aunty Thelma, Uncle Aggrey and when I came to visit your home at the tender age of 20, you gave my cousins were such gracious me your time and listened to my aspirations, as I rambled on, with and generous hosts, and I will so much patience, grace & wisdom. Allowing me to share with you always be grateful and thankful things I as a young adult did not yet understand. for the time I spent with them. We have lost a kind and good uncle, a Thank you Uncle Aggrey for being the coolest Uncle ever, and with very smart and brilliant man, He that eternal twinkle in your eye teaching me that “it is never really lived his life well, and contributed that serious”. And most of all, for giving me Taaka my true North so much to Uganda and Kenya aka my “kunu munu funu”. Watch over her, Auntie Thelma, Baisama, and our family. Aunty Thelma and Nabongo, Samia, Nafula,Sadat & Wasia. They are hurting so deeply my cousins, Uncle Aggrey will be right now, give them the strength to overcome their loss. missed, and he will always be in our hearts. I pray for God to give I loved you honestly, truly and completely .... as I know you loved you all strength at this difficult me. May you rest in eternal peace. time. May Uncle’s soul rest in eternal peace. Marya E. Adjibodou Love, cousin Joyce Ilako. ...................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... Forever missed, never forgotten Uncle Aggrey influenced us who came into contact with him in different ways. Some were enlightened, some found careers,some Dearest Uncle, I remember most found themselves, but all of us were dazzled by Uncle Aggrey. our mutual love for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and how when My fondest memory of Uncle Aggrey, is the time I spent alone with I discovered that you liked them him travelling from Nairobi to Kisumu in the 70s. too I made it my personal job to make sure that I shared every At that time Uncle Aggrey was teaching at the University of Nairobi, album I could find with you. It was at the School of Journalism. Based on this, and his gift of oratory, my mission! and I was so grateful he was invited to Kisumu to give a speech on some political subject. that I had something to give So Uncle Aggrey asked me to drive him down to Kisumu for his someone that I always admired speech, in a baby blue Renault that he had borrowed from Auntie so very much. In New York in 1988 Mary. 24

I loved to drive, so veer to the right to avoid the vehicle; in so doing I clipped the front this was a wonderful left fender on a concrete pole, denting it badly, otherwise the car opportunity for me to was operable. check out the Renault. We set off from Nairobi After a minor confrontation with the owners of the parked vehicle, in good time. Uncle Aggrey and I proceeded to Kisumu. When we arrived at the venue in Kisumu, we were told that Uncle Aggrey’s speech During the trip Uncle engagement had been cancelled by the government, because it was a security risk. Now remember this was during Raisi Jomo Aggrey enthralled Kenyatta’s regime. me with stories that The drive back was with no incident and I loved the handling of the Renault. When we got back to Nairobi; Uncle Aggrey took the I would only much Renault to Kigomba or Industrial area for panel beating repair and paint. For me, this was a memorable trip, when I had a chance to later understand learn other sides of Uncle Aggrey in more depth. I shall forever cherish those memories. the significance. I Papa WWW Awori JR. remember first hearing ...................................................................................................................................... of how he taped the Dear Aunty Thelma & my Cousins FBI in Boston when Uncle was such an inspiration to me (and I’m sure to many others they were questioning growing up), I remember from when I was about five or six years (in the 70s) Uncle often paid us a visit in Maseno where mum him as a student at worked, and I always admired his warm, friendly nature always smiling with very encouraging words and very easy to feel free with Harvard University. a well dressed man and driving sleek cars - I remember his maroon Jaguar automatic which by then must have been one of very few in Amazingly, this was the country. with reel to reel tape for those oldsters who remember what those were. Apparently the reel came to an end and the agents wondered what the creaking sound was from behind the bookcase. Anyway, back to the drive in which Uncle Aggrey had a myriad of stories of his adventures and intrigues in the Congo, Uganda. When we reached the turn off at Kericho heading to Kisumu; I was driving at a good speed when a Peugeot station wagon stopped at the intersection of the Kisumu turn off. I had to brake very quickly and 25

The LORD has decided he has a better place for our beloved Uncle, Uncle Aggrey was the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Uganda to the though painful to see his Physical presence and warmth gone, am U.S. while I was a university student. I visited him many times and sure he will continue providing the same to you from up there, and stayed with the family at their residence in Potomac. I remember the to the rest of us who so loved him. Please remain strong and may terrifying time when the plane he was supposed to board plunged Uncle’s legacy live on. into the Potomac River. He missed that flight because of traffic and could not make it to the airport on time. Thank goodness. He Rest with the Angels Uncle Aggrey. often had what I might refer to as “highbrow parties” that brought together illustrious and eminent highly educated people. I always Regards, Noel Openda learned so much from those events. May you rest in peace Uncle Aggrey. ...................................................................................................................................... Patricia Awori 26

Cousin Aggrey was one of the few men I admired growing up as rescue. He followed the towing truck and ensured we got home a young man in college. He and cousin Thelma were very good to safely. Then joined us for a cup of tea and talked to us about all me when I lived with them during the summer months when I was manner of ideas including trading in cereals. He gave freely of his in school. This accorded me the pleasure of meeting my younger time, resources, knowledge, experience and advice. I was amazed cousins for the first time and marked the beginning of a wonderful at this down to earth Uncle whose accomplishments did not stand relationship with a warm and beautiful family. My stay with them in the way of his humanity. was memorable and pleasant. I learnt something from you uncle: Being great and accomplished I remember one day we decided to go out and Baisama, who had is not mutually exclusive with humility and caring for others no just learned how to drive, was eager to drive us to town but Cousin matter their place in life...Rest well Uncle Aggrey. We will miss you. Aggrey said to all of us “Yuku is your older cousin, so he will drive and be responsible for all of you when you’re out there”. This was Jo Odera. accepted by all of us, so we went out and had a good time. Cousin Aggrey balanced the driving routine excellently by having Baisama drive during the day time and I at night when we went out. Cousin Aggrey also loved to read, I can still picture him sitting in the living room relaxing and reading his newspaper. This is one healthy habit I picked from him, making time to read and relax whenever I come back home from work. To cousin Thelma and all my Awori cousins, I love you all very much. May cousin Aggrey’s soul rest in Jesus’ peace and love. Amen. Sincerely: J. Yuku Stewart ...................................................................................................................................... He wore a welcoming smile and made me feel at ease from our very first meeting. Don and I had just acquired a second-hand vehicle that chose to stall at Kenyatta Hospital roundabout at the evening peak hour! Uncle Aggrey saw us, turned around and came to our 27

Tribut e from C ANON JUSTICE OGOOL A & FAMILY In the political history of this its wobbly toes, with incessant Parliamentary pokes and punches Country, Aggrey Awori is a giant. that made the Government cringe in their seats and itch in their He has become an indelible skin to Aggrey’s barbed stings of Opposition rhetoric and oratory. legend. He is a phenomenon, all Without a doubt, Aggrey became the scion of the Opposition politics to himself. inside Parliament and outside it. He climbed to the summit of his political ladder when in 2001, he contested for the Presidency of He has spanned the political Uganda, even while his own blood brother, Moody Awori, was the landscape of Uganda for a very Vice President of the neighbouring Republic of Kenya! long, long period of time. He cut his political teeth in the heydays Aggrey lost the Presidential quest. Graciously, he conceded. of the Ruling Party of the mid- Stoically, he braced on. Regrettably, he later crossed the rubicon of 1960s. As a trained journalist, Ugandan politics: walked from the Opposition to the Ruling party, from the apex Schools and with a slot in the Cabinet. With that, his star started to dim. And Universities around the World, now, the light in his candle has snuffed out, for all time. May his Aggrey became a celebrated soul finally settle down, as he walks in terminal silence back to his figure on the National TV screen and the Radio airwaves of Uganda Maker! and beyond. A fitting farewell to Aggrey’s walk back home is this. Zechariah the Enter, Idi Amin’s totalitarian intrusion of the 1970s : Aggrey beat a Prophet, speaking at the time of Darius King of Persia prophesied tactical retreat into a Kenyan exile, with a stint in Nairob’s Academia thus : -- only to resurface soon after as a FOBA operative, straddling the border plains of Busia Kenya and marshlands of Busia Uganda. “10 They shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, Thanks to the duality of his birth, he was able to criss-cross the and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. 11 international banks of River Suo seamlessly and naturally : the ….12 The land shall mourn, each family by itself, each house by proverbial ‘fish thrown into the water’. itself, their wives by themselves”. (Zec. 12:10–12) With Obote back for the Second Bite, Aggrey took to a diplomatic What a prophesy! How fitting for Agggrey’s funeral farewell! tour of the USA and Europe, only to return home, soon after, to For here we are : mourning for him as for an only child; and weeping a rigorous and voluble life of an Opposition actor: in and out of bitterly as for a firstborn. Parliament. His star shone brightest at that time. He kept the Government in the Executive and the Government in Parliament on Yet equally, we also mourn over him, each family by itself … Of the families in Kenya, each by itself : 28

Of the families here in Uganda, each by itself : Of the families of Aggrey’s own children in the Diaspora, each by itself : Of the family of Aggrey’s in-laws in Liberia, each by itself : Aggrey’s fellow MPs, will mourn him, each family by itself : Indeed, even the hundreds and hundreds of Aggrey’s relatives, friends and colleagues here in Kampala and elsewhere, who would have filled Aggrey’s funeral farewell assembly … will now mourn each in our own families -- all on account of the crippling Corona. What a Pandemic!! Obeyo ! Weraba ! Kwaheri ! Fare thee well : Aggrey Awori Siryoyi. Canon Justice James & Mrs Florence Ogoola Monday, 5th July 2021. 29

Tribut e from CECILIA OGWAL The clergy, the family, as tall in politics, he was tall in everything, tall in education, tall in brothers and sisters, academic achievements, tall in diplomacy, tall in journalism. I’ve come here not as a Member of Aggrey has done many things and, in fact, what I was thinking Parliament, but I’ve about was how we, as Ugandans, can remember Aggrey. Aggrey come here because was an embodiment of Africa, he was a very keen Pan-Africanist, I’ve come to stand and his life has demonstrated that. Even if you called him a Kenyan with wife, Thelma who or a Ugandan, he had no problem, if you take him to Ghana, he has has lost her dear one. no problem. He even got us a wife from Liberia, and we are all very proud of him. I represented Uganda in the Pan-African Parliament Aggrey Awori was and I would wish for people like Aggrey to work there to really make my dear brother, and things a reality so that Africans can understand that the borders you all know that I’ve are artificial. But it is our duty as the next generation, the young spent my useful life in parliamentarians who are taking over, to dismantle and dissolve politics, and I believe the borders so that Africans can live as Africans in peace again. I my dear brother really miss my brother because he was too mature for some of us Aggrey, though he to understand him. Whenever he would talk about Pan Africanism, also did many other I’m sure people thought he didn’t appreciate his being a Ugandan, things, he spent his useful life in politics. So, my brothers and but he was seeing a much larger picture than many of us couldn’t sisters from Kenya and from Uganda, we have lost a very valuable see. So, the Uganda government must do something in memory member of the family. this giant brother of mine. He was accredited with many things the whole journey that I was with him in parliament. Now if you ask me to talk about Aggrey Awori, I really get lost because here is one individual who by God’s grace was always given In the constituent assembly, one thing I admired about Aggrey the best of the best all through his life. Awori went to the best Awori is that whereas we were traditional opponents with the schools; Nabumali High School and King’s College Budo which were Democratic Party, he saw it as a good opportunity to let UPC the best schools in Uganda. Many people used to dream and pray understand that DP is not an enemy, so he encouraged friendship to go to Harvard, but Awori just easily made it to Harvard. So as far for the purpose of fighting a common cause. So, when you saw as intellectualism is concerned, as far as education is concerned, me and Paul Semwogerere moving together and preaching the Awori attained the best of the best. So as someone described him gospel of multi-partyism, it was because Aggrey Awori was working 30

vigorously behind the scenes so we must thank him for it. We was usually something you had never heard. He would take your delivered a beautiful constitution which everybody has admired. mind away from the story and we would have already designed that We must always thank Aggrey Awori that he always wanted once the minds of the people have reached that far, then somebody reconciliation. He wanted to fix things in the right way which is why else would come with another new idea and that would take people we used to call him the fixer, a glue. Whenever we would get stuck, very far and after someone would stand from somewhere and say we would look to him to fix things because he was our expert in Mr. Chairman, I beg to move. So that skill is called field bantering. diplomacy, foreign matters and security matters. During debates in parliament, Aggrey was able to mobilize eighty-five members who So, Aggrey Awori, my dear brother, I really miss you. I enjoyed working were willing to stand up and oppose whatever the government was with him. He was my elder brother, he mentored me in many ways saying which was good for all Ugandans though at that time people and to see him gone at this time is very hard. I last talked to him did not understand what the movement was about. We mobilized when he was thanking me for having stood firm to allow the elders and we rejected the idea of grabbing indigenous land and even to go to parliament. I took it as my personal agenda, and I made sure though we were defeated on federalism he really helped us with that the government allowed five members of the elder’s council in strategic diplomacy, planning and fixture of things. the parliament. I was thinking that the only way you people would thank him was to allow him to go back to parliament on the elderly Aggrey was valuable to us in what only few people will understand, ticket, but I’m surprised that he did not make it. strategic maneuvers. Even if his ventures to become a member of parliament in the 1980s failed, I knew God had a better plan So, my dear brother we really love you and we will live to take care for Aggrey Awori. He became one of our distinguished diplomats of whatever you have left behind. We will never disappoint you. representing the government in the United States of America. I happened to have been in the US on an official mission at a time We will continue to fight for unity when it was very difficult to sell the image of Uganda. The arrest of and diplomacy in Uganda and for two journalists in Bombo and many other things had given Uganda Africa we will continue to unite a bad image. I sat with Aggrey, and he told me I was the only one Africa since that is the message who could manage the questions. He told me that when they grill you have left with us. me, I should tell them that part of my program here in the United States is to visit your military installations. I followed his advice and that was the end of the grilling. Strategic diplomacy! Awori was very skilled in diffusing heated tensions on the debating May the children know that we are here, I am here. Come to my floor of parliament. When Awori saw that the debate was going house and call on me whenever you need help. Unfortunately, my against us, he would stand up gave you a very powerful and husband couldn’t come but has sent his greetings to the family. compelling testimony which demanded your attention because it Thank you. 31

Tribut e from Friend HON. NOBERT MAO I first came across the name Aggrey Awori Uganda with a view to making findings when I was in Senior Three in Namilyango why it was not ending and to make College. There was a young man who was recommendation towards a resolution from Aggrey Awori’s family. That connection of the unending conflict. I saw the draft alone earned him the awe of other students. motion and immediately agreed to Awori was in the inner circles of president support it. Milton Obote as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary. When the motion was tabled it met with vigorous resistance from the government This put him at the rank of a Cabinet side. Many thought the passage of the minister, being a diplomatic minister of the motion would amount to a vote of no highest rank with treaty-signing powers and confidence in the government. At that one often sent on special missions. Aggrey time we were in a so-called no party Awori often hinted at the many high-level “Movement System” where candidates and top secret missions he undertook on for elective office were voted based behalf of the Uganda government. Awori purely on their individual merit. The was a custodian of many sensitive State truth, however, is that there was a clear secrets which he has chosen to take to his line between those of us who believed grave. that multipartism should be restored because the Movement System was a one party system in disguise. In the sixth and seventh parliaments I was in the backbench with Awori. He took me under his wings and mentored me in the art That motion was seen as a motion pushed by multipartists to and science of power politics. Awori always knew that power discredit Movementists! With the motion thus tainted with partisan exists formally and also informally. The nuts and bolts of power sentiments it was about to be dead on arrival. The government are fastened somewhere in a country’s body politic and to get would not budge and neither would the movers of the motion. anything done or even to be noticed and heard one had to know where those nuts and bolts were. Those of us who had hope that the passage of the motion would give Parliament a handle on one of the most intractable conflicts in A few weeks after I was sworn in, Awori approached me and told me Africa were getting disappointed. Some of us were so disappointed that he and Zachary Olum had drafted a motion asking Parliament by the callous attitude of the opponents of the motion that we even to set up a select committee to inquire into the war in northern thought northern Uganda is better off seceding from Uganda - if 32

we can’t live in the same country within a common border maybe exuded wit in all his statements. we shall be better off being neighbours. He embodied a youthful energy in all he did. Then the Speaker recognised Nyabushozi MP Elly Karuhanga. Karuhanga said he had consulted the Prime Minister and that in I visited him a few times in his minister’s office and at his country order to save the essence of the motion he wanted to request the home after he left Parliament. Even in his late 70s and in semi- Speaker to suspend the House for 15 minutes to allow the movers retirement he was always plotting the “next move”. of the motion to consult and strike a compromise. The Speaker, James Wapakhabulo, agreed. When the House resumed, Elly Karuhanga announced that the government side and the movers of the motion had agreed that the movers of the motion would not insist on a select committee but would agree that the same task be assigned to a sessional committee, particularly the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs. That was one of the best compromises ever struck on the floor of Parliament. I wasn’t a member of that sessional committee but I quickly applied and joined it. Awori was a strong supporter of our campaign for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He also helped the committee with critical contacts of exiled former military officers and political leaders. Awori will be remembered as a colourful man who lit up the political skies of Uganda. A jolly ever smiling man with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he 33

Tribut e from HAROLD ACEMAH [Aluta Continua!] generous, hardworking, innovative and jolly good fellow whose family background is similar to mine. He was a graduate of Harvard The cruel hand of death has University, a Pan-Africanist, a global citizen and a jack of all trades. once again struck a heavy Aggrey’s father, Jeremiah Awori (RIP) was a priest of the Anglican blow and robbed Uganda of Church like my father Enoka Yada (RIP). I thank God for Aggrey’s a distinguished son, Aggrey exemplary life, his family, his friendship and above all his Christian Siryoyi Awori, who passed on witness. in Kampala on July 5, 2021 at 82 years old. He was buried at Our paths crossed again in 1981 when Aggrey joined Uganda’s Kibimba on July 10, 2021. diplomatic service on appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy of Uganda accredited to the USA, located in Washington I would like to convey heartfelt DC, where he served with distinction. condolences to Mrs Thelma Awori and her family. May God In 1985, Aggrey was transferred to Brussels as Ugandan ambassador comfort her and the bereaved to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands, family during this very difficult time of mourning for a great man. after which he returned to Uganda and joined politics. I followed him to Brussels in 2003 and served at the Embassy of Uganda for Aggrey was a dear friend for many years. We first met in 1968 when five years. I was a student at Makerere College of the University of East Africa and he was Director of Uganda Television (UTV) which was the sole Aggrey Awori’s legacy: television network in Uganda in the good old days. Aggrey did a Like many Ugandans who come from border areas, Awori’s Samia fantastic job as head of UTV. ethnic group is divided between two countries, Kenya and Uganda while my Lugbara ethnic group is divided between Uganda and DRC. During the 1968 long vacation, Aggrey hired about twenty students Unlike most of his brothers and sisters who chose Kenya as their from Makerere College to undertake the first survey of viewers of motherland, Aggrey who was born in Tororo chose Uganda as his UTV in Kampala, among them Mwima Mudenya (RIP) and yours truly. motherland. I can attest to the fact that Aggrey Awori was a true We did a fine job which prompted Aggrey to offer me a part-time patriot who loved Uganda and struggled relentlessly for a better assignment at UTV based at Nakasero which kept me busy, on and Uganda throughout his life on earth. off, until June 1970 when I graduated from university. Soon after graduation, I was recruited into the Uganda Foreign Service. His wife, Mrs. Thelma Awori, is a Liberian by birth, but like Aggrey Thelma is a Ugandan at heart and has devoted her life to serve Aggrey was a courageous, adventurous, decent, eloquent, the people of Uganda to the best of her ability, including the 34

period when she was UNDP’s regional director for Africa based at Aggrey was a courageous, UN headquarters in New York. May God reward Thelma and their adventurous, decent, children abundantly for a job well done. eloquent, generous, Aggrey contested as a Ugandan presidential candidate in 2001. hardworking, innovative Although he did not win, I believe given a chance Aggrey would and jolly good fellow have been a good president of Uganda, certainly much better than many mediocre and shameless African leaders who have turned vote rigging into a lucrative enterprise. In 2009, I paid a courtesy call on Aggrey when he was ICT Minister in the NRM regime. He received me warmly and after we exchanged pleasantries Aggrey explained to me why he reluctantly quit UPC and joined NRM. He believed that a few good men, like him and Dr. Nsaba Buturo, could change the rotten mindset of the corrupt and decadent regime, from within, by setting a good example, but as I feared and warned, NRM is beyond redemption and salvation. Most of its leaders are perverted, unpatriotic and self-condemned. Despite his brief association with NRM, I believe that the verdict of history on Aggrey Awori will be positive unlike the verdict on most contemporary African leaders, including some in our neck of the woods. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Arua, Uganda July 14, 2021. 35

Tribut e from Friend HON. YONA K ANYAMOZI Passing away of my friend Aggrey Awori came as and he was made an ambassador in US. Later he a shock to me. In fact, I sent a message to the served the government in Brussels. Unfortunately, ex-parliamentary group saying that, could it be when this new regime came, they terminated his fake news? Because I couldn’t believe it. I have services which upset him. known Aggrey since 1962 when both of us went on American sponsored scholarship. He went to He had an adventure in trying to oppose what was Havard, I went to Lincoln University but we kept happening at that time but he later settled down and in touch. I visited him at Harvard and it influenced tried to be accommodated and fought for elections my decision to leave America and go to study and eventually won and joined us in the NRC as a in Britain. Eventually, both of us finished and I brilliant legislator until he was elected as number came back to Uganda while Aggrey went for post one in the country in legislation. He reconciled with graduate at Syracuse. I came back in 1966 and he came back in 1967. the regime and was appointed Minister of ICT, but we kept in touch. The relationship we had established in the sixties and seventies Immediately he was appointed by the UPC government then to be kept on. I remember his house was a place where my young son the director of television. I had the honour when he asked me to run Sabiti used to call a second home. a programme for the youth on TV and I run it. Though later, powers that be, said that I was corrupting the youth but he didn’t terminate Ofcourse he has been in the politics of this regime, I don’t know my appointment, I stayed on. Unfortunately, our government fell how he managed but he stayed in ministerial post for two years and we had a bit of a problem. Aggrey at the beginning was in and we stayed in touch. Him and Thelma who I also knew since trouble with Amin’s government so most of us decided to leave and my visit to Harvard in 1963 kept in touch. Aggrey has served this go to exile in Kenya. nation very diligently and it is a pity he has gone at the time when we cannot give him a befitting farewell because of covid. I would Aggrey being known and well-connected with the people in Kenya have been at the grave-side with so many of his friends but we because majority of his family is there, he was a person we had to can’t. Aggrey rest in peace. The Christians and the religious would rely on. His flat at Delamere more or less became a listening post say, Until we meet again. If we do not meet again, we should be for us to know what is happening in Uganda. We decided to keep on satisfied with ourselves that we did our best to look after our own the fight against Amin and eventually we were able to succeed with country and our people. the help of President Nyerere’s Tanzanian army. When we came back, we served in different capacities. I was appointed Minister Rest in peace, Aggrey Awori. 36

Tribut e from Friend JOSEPH OCHIENO There is no corona (Covid-19) His opinion, thoughts and even exchanges with others were never here,” he says, beaming with reserved. You immediately realise this is an elderly statesman with smiles as usual, then laughter. no limits when it comes to national, regional and global issues. He sort of wants to shake Amid my friend’s giggles, he gives a brief experience of his stint as both my hands and that of minister for ICT. my companion but, of course, I was busy forcing apologies Then realities of being a political-citizen of a cross-border town for ‘branching-without- with relatives and intense political dynamics. Now you know. Some, notice’ and, at the same interesting bits are-for outside these pages. He did not want us time combining the niceties, to leave but we had to, my friend trekking further north, beyond homage and etiquette Nagongera in Tororo District. We would do this more often, we together. We observed agreed. We both meant it but, God. the SOPs, kept reasonable distances and washed hands. We spoke on phone over Christmas break but no meeting took place. Then January, as election ‘peace’ heated up and on my way That was Christmas Eve last to ‘voting wisely’, we took him the Christmas present that never year. As we approached arrived. Two hens, he was delighted. With my beautiful daughter, Kibimba Bridge, we made a quick and immediate decision as we the stay was a little shorter but, promised to return, ‘Bakedi’. discussed Aggrey and Thelma Awori, their home on the left. With my companion Miriam, a young, sharp rising-star in the development So, when the news came of the demise of Aggrey Awori – as they world, we turned back-on a chance – to check on the couple. Thelma do these days via social media – I sort of refused to read it. Then and Aggrey were both her heroes, having crossed paths with the I did, then I checked with immediate sources. True it was. Sunken, former in the course of duty, a brilliant lady, an inspiration, she I was. Sad. said. Already eulogised and noted as the best legislator of his time, many Introduced, Aggrey was clear that we were spoilt-for-choice for young people woke up to realities of NRA/M dictatorship when where to sit, giving us three options. After a brief tour of options Aggrey Awori stood as a presidential candidate in 2001. Dented including his private office, we settled in an-extension. Then by disadvantage of NRA propaganda against political parties, followed a series of lectures, stories and, of course, politics. We especially UPC, and the fact that NRA/M-monolithic-polity was at concentrated on the most current, including insecure Kampala and its peak, the best anyone could do was make the appearance and the pending elections. that, he did. 37

After all, politics of issues; I mean politics of competition of ideas Whatever the case, the smart, very-present Aggrey Awori of had died in 1985; killed by NRA/M and DP using the Okellos. That was 10-years-ago was now slightly struggling for energy, even as he the last time (1980-1985) this country saw a Parliament composed of told me of how his bid to represent the elderly in Parliament was legislators who were driven by depth of ‘apparent’ views, backed by reviewed around ‘phone calls’. respective political values. Awori was then Uganda’s ambassodor to the US. I concluded that the season of these greats is fast fading and, the youth of this country had better wake up – even faster – or else At his burial, which I attended via a link – thanks to Aunt Thelma they miss out even the slightest-of-references for tomorrow. – Ms Cecilia Ogwal expressed all the glows and glories of this great guy including his ‘tactician-self’. I linked these to his stories, Rest Aggrey Awori; you were more than a sentence in our especially of last December and, briefly as colleagues at Uganda history. The rest will decide. House. 38

Appreciat ion Our family cannot find enough ways to thank you for standing in the gap left by our beloved father. May you be blessed with abundant mercy, love and grace. [email protected] 39