KATAKWI — Residents of Katakwi District have been urged to prioritize education as a lasting investment for their children, as leaders paid tribute to the late District Health Officer, Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, during his burial on April 11, 2026.
Dr. Omeke was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Apuuton Cell, Central Ward, Usuk Town Council, in a ceremony attended by civil servants, political leaders, religious figures, and community members who described him as a dedicated and impactful public servant.
During the funeral homily, Rev. Fr. Patrick Acedu, Parish Priest of St. Ann Usuk Parish under Soroti Catholic Diocese, emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of families and communities.
He urged parents across the Teso sub-region to make sacrifices and invest in their children’s education, noting that it is the most meaningful legacy they can leave behind.
“Do not hide your wealth in kraals. Invest in your children’s education because that is the greatest gift you can give to the nation,” Fr. Acedu said.
He also encouraged children to respect and cooperate with their parents, warning against growing trends of rebellion among the youth. At the same time, he called on parents to support vulnerable children and avoid overreliance on politicians for school fees, describing such tendencies as a pathway to dependency and corruption.
Leaders who spoke at the burial echoed similar sentiments, highlighting education as a critical tool for social and economic transformation. Edward Akol, the Chief Auditor General, described Dr. Omeke’s death as a great loss to both Katakwi District and the nation, urging the Iteso community to uphold education as a top priority.
In a condolence message delivered by Katakwi Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit Okure on behalf of Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo, the late DHO was praised for his commitment to improving healthcare services in the district.
As part of the support to the bereaved family, a contribution of UGX 15 million was extended to support the education of Dr. Omeke’s nine children.
Family members also paid emotional tribute to the late medic. His widow, Sarah Akwii, described him as a loving husband and father who was dedicated to providing for his family and achieving shared goals.
Silvester Ocatum, Chairperson of the Ikuruka clan, noted that the community had lost a hardworking and visionary individual who contributed not only to healthcare but also to local development through farming and mentorship.
Who Was Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke?
Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke was born on February 10, 1978, to Nicodemus Ebele Omeke and Hajjati Nuru Namutamba. He began his education at Apuuton Primary School before continuing his studies in Bugwere and Mayuge districts.
He later attended Majasi High School and Busoga College Mwiri for his secondary education before pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at Makerere University between 1997 and 2002. He furthered his studies with a Master of Public Health from the University of Western Australia.
Dr. Omeke served in various medical and leadership roles in Nakapiripirit and Katakwi districts, rising from a medical officer to District Health Officer. He worked at Tokora Health Centre IV before moving to Katakwi General Hospital, eventually becoming the district’s DHO, a position he held for over 15 years.
In his role, he oversaw healthcare delivery across the district, strengthened lower health facilities, and coordinated outreach programs including immunization campaigns and medical camps, especially in remote and underserved areas. He also served as Chairperson of the Teso District Health Officers Forum, providing regional leadership in healthcare coordination.
According to a medical report presented by Dr. Michael Ebele Omeke, the late DHO died from multiple injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, which caused severe internal bleeding. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
As Katakwi mourns the loss of a dedicated health leader, the message from leaders and clergy remains clear: investing in education is the foundation for building future leaders who will continue to serve and transform society.
