By Our Reporter
AMURIA - The funeral of the late Jones Eceru Oluma took place on Sunday, sending shockwaves through the community with the revelation from the Iteso Paramount Chief, Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, that Oluma had passed away while preparing for a trip to Germany on behalf of the Iteso Cultural Union.
During the eulogy delivered at the send-off service held at Oluma's home in Ogolai Village, Ococia Parish, Ogolai Sub-County, located in Amuria District, the Emorimor underscored Oluma's significant contributions to local development initiatives.
He noted that Oluma was in the process of making arrangements to negotiate with development partners for a vital water project aimed at providing piped water sourced from Lake Bisina for irrigation—a project Oluma believed would modernize agriculture in the Teso Sub-Region.
The ceremony saw notable dignitaries in attendance, including Musa Eweru, the State Minister for Works and Transport, local government leaders, Iteso Cultural Union representatives, and various clan leaders.
Andrew Ocole, the Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, reflected on the profound loss the institution faced with Oluma's passing.
He highlighted that Oluma uniquely held two significant roles within the ICU, serving as both the Deputy Prime Minister for North and the Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, effectively managing both positions with remarkable consistency.
Oluma was slated to travel to Germany on March 15, 2025, alongside a team including Ben Bonham Okiror, known as Peace Maker, to finalize the water project.
Okiror expressed deep concerns regarding the future of the initiative following Oluma's death, acknowledging Oluma's pivotal role as the primary architect of the project.
Ultimately, Jones Eceru Oluma was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Ogolai Village, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to his community.
