President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to the late Ben Etonu, a former Member of Parliament for Amuria County and Minister of Housing under President Milton Obote, describing him as a revered patriot whose legacy of service, humility, and dedication will inspire generations. Etonu, who passed away on November 15, 2025, at the age of 87 in Kampala, was a close associate of President Museveni and at one time served as the Resident District Commissioner for Soroti.
Delivering the President’s eulogy during the burial ceremony in Adome Village, Amucu Parish, Apeduru Sub County in Amuria District on November 29, 2025, Vice President Jessica Alupo conveyed the President’s message, highlighting Etonu’s remarkable devotion to public service. “Uganda has indeed lost a true patriot. His legacy, marked by service, humility, and commitment, will continue to inspire countless future leaders. We honor his significant contributions towards building a better and more prosperous nation,” Museveni expressed.
The President lamented the passing of elders like Etonu, noting that their wealth of experience and wisdom forms a crucial link between Uganda’s past and present. “They serve as a vital connection between our past and present. It is essential that our youth embrace the lessons from these elders and strive to emulate their exemplary conduct,” he remarked. Museveni urged households to follow the late Etonu’s example, noting that with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) having secured peace and modernised infrastructure across the country, the responsibility now lies with ordinary citizens to generate wealth and create jobs.
He encouraged Ugandans to invest in the four key sectors of commercial agriculture, services, industries, and ICT. The President further hailed Etonu for his contribution to Uganda’s peace and development, calling on his children to continue his legacy. He extended condolences to Etonu’s wives, children, extended family, and the people of Amuria and the Teso Sub-region.
“In this time of sorrow, my thoughts are with you. I pray that God grants you strength and courage to navigate this difficult moment of grief and loss,” he expressed, urging the family to find solace in the purposeful and impactful life Etonu lived. Gen. Jeje Odongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Orungo County MP, said Etonu’s legacy is visible in the development projects he initiated in Amuria, including health centres, improved road access, and securing sub-county status for Abarilela.
“He will be remembered as a proactive leader who honored his campaign promises,” Odongo reflected. Musa Ecweru, State Minister for Works, praised Etonu as disciplined and humble, noting that he served both country and community with unwavering commitment. He revealed that before joining the NRM in 2000, Etonu had been a prominent member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). During the Obote II government, Etonu served as Minister of Housing, navigating high-level national politics at a turbulent time in Uganda’s history. Hellen Adoa, State Minister for Fisheries, described Etonu as a father figure for Teso who chose peace in retirement rather than political quarrels. “He retired after mentoring individuals who succeeded him admirably… Teso will deeply feel the loss of his wisdom,” Adoa stated.
Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, the Iteso Paramount Chief, said the Ateker community had lost a unifying voice and urged them to emulate Etonu’s work ethic and integrity. Speaking on behalf of the family, Richard Etonu described their father as loving, joyful, and committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all his children. “He never underestimated the importance of education. He made sure we attended excellent schools,” Richard said, thanking President Museveni for granting Etonu an official burial.
In Parliament, Etonu played pivotal roles in debates that shaped Uganda’s recent political trajectory. One defining moment was on June 23, 2005, during discussions on abolishing presidential term limits ahead of the 2006 elections. As a ruling party MP then, he argued passionately in favour of continuity. “We need continuity,” he told Parliament. “Uganda still requires the current leadership to guide us through this transition. We cannot risk a new president disrupting the stability we’ve built over the last 20 years.”
His remarks sparked heated exchanges with Rubaga South MP Ken Lukyamuzi, prompting Speaker Edward Ssekandi to intervene and restore calm with a humour-laced comment that every MP deserves to be heard. Etonu also questioned the rationale for term limits, arguing that history showed previous presidents rarely completed two terms, and asserted that Teso needed President Museveni to preside until a strong middle class emerged.
Two decades later, the NRM remains firmly behind Museveni, a continuity many see as aligned with Etonu’s stance in the August House. Etonu died just two weeks after the President visited Amuria, although he was too ill to meet him. Elders in Teso describe his death as the end of an era. He represented Amuria County for 23 years until Musa Francis Ecweru succeeded him, who has now served nearly 20 years. After retiring, Etonu settled in Soroti City, where he was cared for under arrangements facilitated by President Museveni through the Office of the Vice President.
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