An irreplaceable man of tested integrity of all seasons who cherished education and believed that it was a journey, not a destination is how family, relatives, and friends from Karamoja and beyond described the late Mzee Peter Claverton Lokiru.
By Hellen Aguyo
An irreplaceable man of tested integrity of all seasons who cherished education and believed that it was a journey, not a destination is how family, relatives, and friends from Karamoja and beyond described the late Mzee Peter Claverton Lokiru.
Late Lokiru died at Dr. Plazas Medical Centre in Soroti City on March 30, 2026, aged 87.
Born in 1939, late Lokiru was the 4th born among five children of late Natwanga Locheng and Lyanyang Apimolo from Kalagwalo village, Nakapelimoru Subcounty in Kotido district.
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Kotido District council held a special council sitting at his residence in Lomukura cell, Kotido Central Division in his honor.
The council session was proceeded with vigil mass where family members, friends, political, and religious leaders and other government dignitaries gathered to offer condolence to the bereaved family.
George Odongo, the late’s first son described him as an educationist who defied the odds of traditional Kraals which barred children from accessing education.
He said his father fled from his parents’ Kraal in Kalogwala village in Nakapemoru Sub-county in Kotido to Abim where he was received by a foster family which supported his Education.
According to Odongo, his father’s love for education didn’t stop at him but spread to all people around him.
He added that Mzee Lokiru paid school fees a few days ago before his death.
Peter Ongodia, representing the male children raised by Mzee Lokiru, recalled when the deceased welcomed him into his home at a tender age, educated him and provided mentorship that shaped him into the person he is today.
He eulogized him as a unifier, loving man who provided to all family members and all those under his care without segregation.
Jessica Ruth Ataa, the Executive Director Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), a community-based organization in Kotido, is also among the people who grew under the care of late Mzee Lokiru.
Speaking on behalf of the female children raised and educated by the late, Ataa remembered the late for his great contribution to the education of girls in the Jie community, Abim community, and Teso community where his wife comes from.
She notes that Mzee Lokiru would always ring a bell during meal time to call all children come to eat, ensured all of them ate enough and lived happily in the family.
Stephen Dedeng, the youngest brother of the deceased remembers him for his zeal for unity within the family and clan, as well as his distinct love for education, both personally and for the broader community.
He said that late completed his Master’s degree at the age of 70 from Uganda Management Institute, which serves as an inspiration to the family.
Dedeng remembered the late for establishing Jie Pioneers transport company, which introduced the first bus service between Kotido and Mbale, as well as the first Tata lorry to transport beer and other merchandise from Mbale to Kotido.
