Brigadier General Pierino Yere Okoya, a remarkable figure in Uganda’s military history, was born in 1928 in the serene village of Koro in Gulu district. His journey through life was one marked by unwavering dedication to his country, coming to a climax, in his untimely demise at the age of 48 years old on January 25, 1970.
Okoya’s life and career were tangled woven into the fabric of Uganda’s thunderous political landscape during the tenures of Presidents Apollo Milton Obote and Idi Amin Dada.
He joined the army in 1948 and at the time, it was called the King’s African Rifles ( KAR) which was a British Colonial Auxiliary Forces regiment raised from Britain’s East African colonies in 1902 with Uganda being the 4th Battalion based in Jinja, which was the first military headquarters (inaugural military headquarters). This marked the inception of a military career that would eventually see him rise through the ranks to become one of Uganda’s most prominent military leaders.
A pivotal moment in Okoya’s career occurred in 1962 after Uganda got her independence when he was among the first three soldiers commissioned as Lieutenants. This commission was personally awarded by Kabaka Mutesa under the presidential commission, reinforcing Okoya’s dedication and leadership potential. Alongside Longoya and Omoya, Okoya embarked on a path of continued excellence in his military service.
As the years passed, Okoya’s course within the military continued to go up. By 1968, he had assumed the role of Chief of Staff, a position that highlighted his competence and leadership capabilities in Apollo Milton Obote’s regime, who was the first President of Uganda. A year later, he was appointed Deputy Army Commander, a position of great responsibility while Idi Amin Dada Oumee (who over threw Obote in 1971 and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern world) was the Army Commander.
During that time, he also doubled as Commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade based in Masaka, and had exhibited capabilities of a good leader which made Amin see him as a stumbling block because of the tribal support he enjoyed from both the military and police.
One of Okoya’s defining qualities was his hands-on approach to his duties when on December 19, 1969, there was an assassination attempt on Obote’s life as he was leaving the UPC annual delegates’ conference at Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala, when Mohamed Sebaduka fired one shot at him. The bullet struck Obote in the face, breaking two of his teeth and passing through his cheek. Efforts to reach the Army Commander, Idi Amin at the crucial moment were futile and Okoya assumed command and managed the situation effectively, showcasing his leadership skills.
On January 23, 1970, Brig Okoya traveled to his hometown in Koro from Masaka. The following day, while on his way to his ancestral home in Palaro, some miles outside Gulu town, he made the dutiful gesture of informing the military leadership in Gulu of his presence, despite his seniority.
The shocking and devastating turn of events occurred on the evening of January 25, 1970. Okoya and his wife Anna Akello Okoya lost their lives at around 8:00pm at their home in Koro village, Gulu district, in a manner that left the nation in shock and mourning.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the circumstances surrounding Okoya’s death raised numerous questions. Two separate investigative teams were established, one led by the police and the other by the military. The military team under the command of Colonel Obol had Majors like John Mwaka, Emmanuel Ogwal, Oyite Ojok, Lieutenants Lukwiya and Wooley Odongo.
However, investigations pointed to Amin as the likely culprit although conclusive evidence remained elusive in April 1970, Air Force Base Commander, Guweddeko and his technician Warrant officer Kasule were arrested and sent to Luzira prison.
In 2016, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ogola, who was the Personal Assistant to Erinayo Oryema, who was then IGP in 1970, shed light on the shocking events surrounding Okoya’s death. He said that Amin’s presence and actions in Gulu hours before the tragedy only deepened the mystery, leaving lingering suspicions.
Brigadier Pierino Yere Okoya’s legacy endures as a testament to his dedication, competence, and leadership within Uganda’s military. His life was tragically cut short, leaving behind questions that continue to intrigue and perplex. As Uganda’s history unfolds, his memory remains etched in the annals of the nation’s military heritage, forever commemorating the life of a true patriot.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, Late Brig Okoya was reburied in order for government to grant him a decent burial. The event was attended by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Gulu Archdiocese Archbishop John Baptist Odama who was the main celebrant, during his sermon, commended the President for his initiative in facilitating the reconciliation between the Lamogi and Palaro clans that hadn’t been at peace since the death of Okoya. He said the reburial ceremony should send a message of unity and harmony among different people in the country.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem noted that, misfortunes had bedeviled the region, owing to the delayed decent reburial of Gen Okoya and his wife Akello who had been gruesomely murdered.
Oryem said that with the government stepping in to give a decent reburial, there will be prolonged peace and healing among the people of the Acholi sub-region and a lasting reconciliation with other neighbors.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-dollo noted that the initiative towards holding the reburial and having blood compensation for the death of Brig Okoya has helped to heal the wounds between the people of Palaro clan and those of Lamogi in Amuru.
Pageya Clan Chief Yusuf Adek Okwonga, who has been key in brokering reconciliation between the Palaro clan and the Pujwani clan whose son, Lt Raymond Oryem was suspected to have shot dead Okoya, commended the government for facilitating the reconciliation.
He said that the reburial of Okoya and his wife marks a new dawn for peace, and healing in Acholi and an end to further gruesome murder of sons of the region.
The President also commissioned a 200 million shillings furnished house, built for the family members of Brig Okoya by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at his ancestral home in Bongo-tyet village.
Brig Okoya’s casket was lowered with 11 gun salutes fired by the Special Forces Command Artillery Brigade.
