The mood at Mbuya Catholic Church in Kampala was somber early today; at the front of the church lay the casket containing the lifeless body of Kenneth Akena Watmon, a Community Development Officer (CDO) in Aruu County who was shot at Lugogo Forest Mall on Saturday, after he accidently knocked another car and left it scratched.
Inches away from the body were the deceased’s family members, seated on the front bench. His brother could not control his tears; they are flowing endlessly as he continuously wipes them away with his white hankie.
The requiem mass for Akena started off with prayers led by Father Polino Mondo, who implored the authorities to ensure that justice prevails.
However, the most touching eulogy was delivered by the late Akena’s boss, Dr Dan Gatto, who told the mourners that three months from now, his junior was planning to introduce his fiancée who hails from western Uganda.
“Akena came to Kampala on Monday and when we met, he told me he had met a friend and was planning to meet her parents. When I asked him for where his friend comes from, he told me she was from western (Uganda). He had even started saving and had prepared to meet her parents in February next year,” Dr Gatto eulogized Akena, nearly bringing the whole church to tears as several mourners could be seen fighting back tears.
Dr Gatto described Akena as a calm and simple person. “He is a person who loves dialogue. You see, even during this incident, he was shot when he was coming out of his car to negotiate. Had he (his shooter) waited and listened to him, he wouldn’t have shot him…..he is a man of dialogue,” he told the silent congregation engulfed with grief.
He further narrated how the deceased ended up at CDO. “When we met last year, he was a person who was ready to work with me. He told me he liked working with children so much,” Dr Gatto said. And, true to his interest, Akena was put in charge of children that the organization has been helping.
“It is so sad that Akena is not around to tell his story but if he was around, I know he is a person that loved justice. The only gift we can give him is justice……..” Dr Gatto said.
And when tough-talking Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament Beatrice Anwyar took to the microphone, she demanded that government deliver justice for Akena.
“This gun lawlessness is getting out of hand. Where do these people get these guns….government should come out and tell us,” she demanded, before declaring that MPs from the greater Acholi region will relentlessly pursue government to ensure that justice for Akena prevails.
The late Akena was reportedly shot by a one Mathew Kanyamunyu, who is being held at Jinja Road Police Station.
