Mr Olara Otunnu yesterday touched base at his ancestral home in Mucwini village in Kitgum District to arousing welcome from the remaining relatives after 23 years in exile.
Before Mr Otunnu’s arrival to the grass thatched home of his grandfather, residents of Mucwini had lined from the village up to Kitgum Town to receive their own who had spent most of his life traversing foreign capitals as a top UN diplomat.
Daily Monitor was told that Mr Otunnu’s father had died in 1986 and was buried in the UK while the mother is reportedly living in Oxford, UK. But in Mucwini yesterday, Mr Otunnu placed wreath on the graves of his grandfather and his young brother Allan Kirama who was killed during LRA insurgency.
There was song and jubilation to welcome UPC’s prodigal son as hundreds of supporters clad in UPC party colours praised Mr Otunnu.
“I have come to fight for peace and rights that have been denied you all these years,” Mr Otunnu announced sending his audience that comprised both young and old residents into an apparent excitement.
Mr Otunnu who returned to the country on Saturday and is now on a familiarisation tour across the country, added: “The government had always frustrated my return to you but thanks for the pressure you put on to it and am now back.”
However, one of his uncles, Mr Okello Lugitel was not happy that he never talked to his nephew.
He said he had prepared food and was ready to celebrate but Moroto County MP, Benson Obua who heads the Otunnu committee said “There was no time for such because crowds were waiting for us in Kitgum town.”
Speaking at Kitgum Stadium later, Mr Otunnu said: “Lango and Acholi should unite to fight for their cause for development. I have returned to organise that for you.”
Mr Obua says Mr Otunnu will be leaving the country next week and would return shortly to have all the prepared celebrations with his people.
“The people were told earlier that he would not have time for celebrations so there was no need of being unhappy with the short time he has stayed here,” he said.
Mr Otunnu told his supporters that there would be no more intimidation in the elections because he would protect them against those who want to take advantage of their majority vote. He, however, remained cagey on whether he would contest for the highest office in the land.
He heads to Gulu tomorrow.
Before Mr Otunnu’s arrival to the grass thatched home of his grandfather, residents of Mucwini had lined from the village up to Kitgum Town to receive their own who had spent most of his life traversing foreign capitals as a top UN diplomat.
Daily Monitor was told that Mr Otunnu’s father had died in 1986 and was buried in the UK while the mother is reportedly living in Oxford, UK. But in Mucwini yesterday, Mr Otunnu placed wreath on the graves of his grandfather and his young brother Allan Kirama who was killed during LRA insurgency.
There was song and jubilation to welcome UPC’s prodigal son as hundreds of supporters clad in UPC party colours praised Mr Otunnu.
“I have come to fight for peace and rights that have been denied you all these years,” Mr Otunnu announced sending his audience that comprised both young and old residents into an apparent excitement.
Mr Otunnu who returned to the country on Saturday and is now on a familiarisation tour across the country, added: “The government had always frustrated my return to you but thanks for the pressure you put on to it and am now back.”
However, one of his uncles, Mr Okello Lugitel was not happy that he never talked to his nephew.
He said he had prepared food and was ready to celebrate but Moroto County MP, Benson Obua who heads the Otunnu committee said “There was no time for such because crowds were waiting for us in Kitgum town.”
Speaking at Kitgum Stadium later, Mr Otunnu said: “Lango and Acholi should unite to fight for their cause for development. I have returned to organise that for you.”
Mr Obua says Mr Otunnu will be leaving the country next week and would return shortly to have all the prepared celebrations with his people.
“The people were told earlier that he would not have time for celebrations so there was no need of being unhappy with the short time he has stayed here,” he said.
Mr Otunnu told his supporters that there would be no more intimidation in the elections because he would protect them against those who want to take advantage of their majority vote. He, however, remained cagey on whether he would contest for the highest office in the land.
He heads to Gulu tomorrow.
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