Family members laying a wreath on the casket containing Onapito’s body
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Exotic he was in life, and so shall it be even in his eternal resting place. Among his several death wishes was one in which Onapito Ekomoloit, the former Presidential Press Secretary shared with his engineer. He desired that an exotic mausoleum to house his remains be constructed.
The price tag on the mausoleum was a hefty sh52m, according to the organising committee. The towering structure measures about eight by 12 metres.
About six metres below ground level, the mausoleum was constructed into a ring beam and slabbed with concrete. In masterly craftsmanship, the inner part was built in the form of a bed. It was raised about two-and-a-half metres high, on which the casket containing Onapito’s remains was placed.
The mausoleum consists of three tilted windows and two doors. The door in the basement is kept open. It is only covered with a curtain. The main door, on the other hand, is the one that ushers people into the tomb. The late Onapito’s portraits grace this space. They are however placed in an expansive area that is similar to a sitting room.
Down the stairs, one would slowly walk in order to access the coffin that is enclosed in a room. This room, which is in the center of the mausoleum, bears one of Onapito’s plaques.
Close family members of the late Onapito and religious leaders inside the mausoleum where his remains were finally put to rest
The constructor ensured that the room is well lit, with the bulbs installed on all sided to provide light. This tomb is as accessible as they come. It can be visited any time of the day or night.
But any visitor would need the family’s express permission. This would in a nut shell be the previlage to view Onapito’s body, which lies in state. It was constructed adjacent to the tombs of his parents and family members.
The mausoleum took 21 days to be completed and smoothened for the burial ceremony. It was kept out of the public eye until Saturday when it was open.
Among the few who were allowed to step in were two bishops leading prayers, their spouses, five reverends, two ministers and a selected few friends. Several news reporters, among whom was one from Habari Daily, were granted permission to step in.
But the attention of mourners was on the mausoleum that remains a beautiful piece of architecture in Asalatap village, Wera sub-county in Amuria district.
Victim of Lung Cancer
At only 58 years of age Onapito succumbed to Lung Cancer, only two months after it was detected, according to his sister, Dr Alice Acabat Oriokot.
He formerly served as the press secretary to the President and corporate affairs manager at Nile Breweries. He was buried 65 days after his death at Kampala Hospital.
Onapito’s remains returns to his ancestral home in Asalatap village
Merry-Making at Funeral
A departure from the Teso culture, Onapito’s burial day was one of merry making, not grieving as it has come to be known.
Under normal circumstances, at the beginning of the grieving period, friends would have to hold immediate family tightly as some could fall down as they mourn endlessly.
Onapito’s burial ceremony, unusual in its style, kicked off with performances of Akogo and Ajosi songs by cultural groups. Such dances are only performed at functions that necessitate merrymaking such as graduations and traditional marriages.
Amidst traditional performances, and moving eulogies from friends, colleagues and members of the local community, Onapito was thus laid to rest.
