04/09/2025
A Man Uganda Will Not Forget In A Hurry - Mzee Obwangor
Cuthbert Obwangor may have passed on, but his name remains etched in Ugandaās political history and cultural memory. He was not just a politician; he was a statesman whose life journey captured the hopes, struggles, and resilience of a young nation.
Born in North Teso, Obwangor rose from humble beginnings to become Secretary General of the Uganda Peopleās Congress (UPC). He was widely regarded as one of Dr. Apollo Milton Oboteās closest confidants, their political bond dating back to their youthful activism with the Kenya African National Union (KANU) in the Mau Mau fight for independence. Together, they dreamt of a free East Africa, where Africans would chart their own destiny.
As UPC grew into a formidable political force, Obwangorās star shone brightly. He was among the brains behind party organisation and a key pillar in Oboteās first government. Yet, like many political friendships, theirs was tested by the turbulence of power.
Obwangor fell out with Obote when the regime resorted to detentions without trial for opposition figures and government critics. For a time, he found political refuge in the Democratic Party (DP), a move that underscored his independence of thought and conviction.
When Idi Amin overthrew Obote in 1971, Obwangor deliberately stepped back from frontline politics. Instead, he turned to private enterprise, running Alakara Restaurant and a clothes shop on Jumbhai Road. The restaurant quickly became a cultural landmark, famed for serving authentic Iteso dishes - emagira, eboo, smoked beef in thick groundnut stew, and ebileng. The conversations steered clear of politics and the economic embargoes.
At that time, fish from Lake Kyoga were still so abundant they were said to ādie of old age,ā and many patrons flocked to Alakara Restaurant for a taste of real home stuff.
Rumour had it that on the eve of Aminās coup, Obwangor had just bought a Volkswagen Combi van. Some whispered it was