Miria Obote, president of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC), has asked Government to build a public library in honor of her late husband, former Ugandan President, Apollo Milton Obote.
During a service held in memory of her husband at the Kololo Airstrip today, Miria Obote said the former President treasured reading and education and was especially interested in educating girls. She said a library built in honor of Milton Obote, would be an appropriate way for the younger generation to carry on his legacy.
Milton Obote, Uganda's first Prime Minister and two-time President, died in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 10th 2005. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
Obote is widely attributed for his role in leading Uganda to independence in 1962. As Prime Minister, he received the Instruments of Power from the British colonialists and was the leader of Government business.
Obote took control of the Government through a coup d'etat in 1966, abolished kingdoms and abrogated the Constitution. He was overthrown by Idi Amin in 1971 and returned to power in a much-contested election in 1980. He remained in power until 1985 when he was again removed from office in a military coup.
Miria Obote said her husband was a man of integrity who contributed a lot to regional cooperation. She said it was unfortunate that despite his achievements, the current Government continues to demonize him.
A short treatise on the UPC issued during the service listed some of Obote's achievements including establishing 23 rural hospitals, which are still operational to date.
About 150 people attended today's memorial service. The Government was represented at the function by Minister Without Portfolio, Dorothy Hyuha.
UPC will hold last funeral rights for Milton Obote in December this year.
