Onapito Ekomoloit (RIP)
The passing of former journalist Francis Onapito Ekomoloit, fondly known as Ona, has reignited memories of his significant contributions to independent journalism and public service. Onapito, aged 58, succumbed to lung cancer on Friday in Kampala after a short illness. His legacy as a committed advocate for truth, fairness, and journalistic integrity remains firmly etched in the hearts of many.
Peter Mwesige, a former workmate, says Onapito was an excellent writer and editor. “He was a passionate champion of critical independent journalism that spoke truth to power. But he also embraced the principles of accuracy and fairness,” Mwesige said in a text.
Mwesige, a co-founder and former Executive Director of the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), recalls how Onapito led them to start another newspaper, The Crusader. “Onapito was our leader when we left The Monitor in 1995 to found our newspaper, The Crusader. He was a hands-on editor and CEO who led from the front. The demise of The Crusader was a failure of business, not of journalism,” Mwesige added.
Veteran journalist Harry Sagara echoed similar sentiments, describing Onapito as a charismatic figure who had an enduring impact on the profession. “The world of journalism has lost a true giant, and as I sit here reflecting on your legacy, I can’t help but chuckle through my tears,” Sagara started his eulogy. Sagara fondly remembered Onapito’s mentorship, particularly during their early days at The Crusader in 1997, when Onapito personally helped him type his first story on a computer.
He said that Ona was more than just a colleague, but a mentor and a leader. Like Mwesige, Sagara recalled how Onapito led a brave group of ten journalists who left The Monitor to create something fresh and daring. “It wasn’t just bold; it was downright revolutionary for our time, and it worked like a charm,” Sagara narrated.
Beyond the newsroom, Sagara says that Ona was the kind of friend who looked out for other people.“I remember the last time I called him, seeking support for a project at Bullseye Creative. By then, he was Director of Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries, but that didn’t stop him from rolling up his sleeves and helping me out. He led me directly to the marketing manager, saying, ‘This is something we can fund, so make it happen!’ That was Ona for you—he didn’t just pass the buck; he made sure that the job got done,” Sagara shared.
Phillip Wafula Oguttu, a journalist and politician like Onapito, said that his former colleague was one of the finest journalists in the journalism profession. Oguttu noted that Onapito was humble but rebellious while making his point without offending anyone. “You have made your mark, softly, left footprints, for posterity. Fare thee well. Rest in victory, Ona,” he said.
Onapito also represented the people of Amuria County in the sixth parliament after winning a by-election in 1998. The Kapelebyong LCV Chairperson, Francis Akorikin, says that Ona is remembered for proposing the removal of ministers from parliament. “He was interested in the separation of powers and advocated that the MPs shouldn’t be added responsibilities as a minister,” Akorikin said during a radio talk show on Saturday.
When he lost in the general elections of 2001, Ona was appointed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a Press Secretary in 2002, a position he occupied up to 2006. He joined Nile Breweries as its Corporate Affairs Manager for 17 years before becoming the chairperson of its board. Ona has also been the chairman of the board of Soroti Fruit Factory.
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