The former President of Somalia, H.E Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has just arrived in Pader for Maj. Gen. Lokech’s burial where he laid a wreath.
Lokech is one of the commanders credited for breaking the back of Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia when he was commander of the UPDF contingent between 2011 and 2012.
Because of his relentless confrontation with Al-Shabaab insurgents and capturing key historical places like the Red Mosque in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the then Brigadier Lokech was nicknamed the ‘Lion of Mogadishu’.
The burial ceremony of the deceased Maj Gen Paul Lockech is underway at Paiper Primary school in Pader amidst tight security.
Unlike the recent presidential orders to limit burial ceremonies to only 20 persons, this is different, hundreds have gathered at the school with others still boarding trucks from other Acholi regional districts to bid Lockech farewell.
From top police and Military chiefs to legislators led by the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Olanyah Jacob, relatives, locals among others, the crowd is large!
CDF Gen. Wilson Mbadi, Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, ANT President Retired Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Former Deputy IGP Maj Gen Sabiti Mzee, Chief Justice Owiny Dollo are also in attendance at the burial of Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech.
Maj Gen Paul Lokech’s casket has been placed in a separate tent in the middle of the school grounds, quite a distance from the mourners who have been systematically paraded all around.
The widow to the deceased,his children, and close relations are clad in white attire and black suits for the boys.
Lokech’s widow looks stronger and more composed today than in the recent past where she was visibly broken.
