Onapito Ekomoloit passes away

Capt. Mike Mukula, announced the loss on social media, expressing deep sadness on behalf of the Teso community and the nation.

“With deep sadness and pain, we announce the demise of our brother, Hon. Onapito Ekomoloit (RIP), a veteran journalist and former MP for Amuria County,” Capt Mukula stated. Further details about the cause of death have yet to be released.

Tributes from colleagues and prominent figures poured in, reflecting on Onapito’s legacy, character, and contributions to the media and politics.

Minister of State for Health, Margaret Muhanga, mourned the loss of a close friend, describing him as “a fine intellectual, a meek and calm gentleman.”

She offered her sympathies to his family, President Yoweri Museveni, and the journalism community.

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama also paid tribute, calling Onapito “a good man” who was “deeply knowledgeable, respectful and humble.”

Wanyama acknowledged the valuable learning experiences he gained during his encounters with Ekomoloit and extended his condolences to the Teso community and the media fraternity.

Chris Obore, Parliament Spokesperson, expressed his grief on social media, remembering Onapito as “an icon, a gentleman, humble, traditionally grounded, and intellectually exposed,” lamenting that his loss was a great blow to the Teso community.'

About Onapito

Ekomoloit had a distinguished career in journalism, politics, and business.

His journalism career started at The Monitor (now Daily Monitor) where he was senior reporter, before he started his own outlet known as The Crusader.

He would later join politics, becoming a one-term MP for Amuria.

Thereafter he was appointed Presidential Press Secretary, a role he served until he was replaced by the late Tamale Mirundi.

He wrote a book "Tears and Triumph" in which he chronicled his life and service at State House

Onapito later joined the corporate world as Director for Corporate Affairs at beer maker Nile Breweries. On his retirement he was retained as the company's Board Chairman; a position he held until his sudden death.