In a profound gesture that celebrates the intersection of technical brilliance and cultural heritage, the Entebbe Municipality has taken a historic step by officially renaming Kalitusi Road to Eng. Odongo Okune Road. This significant thoroughfare, situated right in the prestigious vicinity of the State House, now bears the name of a man whose life has been a masterpiece of service to the nation of Uganda. The decision was made with overwhelming support during a special council session led by Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda, marking a new chapter in how the city honors its most impactful citizens.
The man behind the name, Engineer Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, is a rare figure who has successfully navigated the worlds of modern infrastructure and traditional leadership. Known to many as the Won Nyaci of Lango, his journey is one of relentless dedication. For years, he was the driving force behind the Uganda Road Fund, serving as its Executive Director. In this role, he did not just manage budgets; he championed the very arteries of the nation’s economy. By ensuring that roads remained durable and connected, he empowered farmers, business owners, and families to thrive across the country.
Mayor Rulinda captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly, noting that the renaming is a way to celebrate a leader whose work has improved lives in every corner of Uganda while he remains deeply anchored in his roots. The Mayor emphasized that Dr. Odongo Okune has done much more than design roads; he has constructed a legacy of wisdom and integrity that serves as a beacon for future generations.
The change has been met with excitement and pride by the local community in Entebbe. For business owners like Sarah Namutebi, who operates a shop along the newly named street, the move is a breath of fresh air. She expressed her joy in seeing the council honor a visionary leader while he is still with us to witness the appreciation. To the residents, the new name is more than just a label on a map; it is a symbol of belonging to a nation that values progress and respects its diverse cultural icons.
Perhaps most importantly, this renaming serves as a powerful bridge of unity. By honoring a prominent Lango cultural leader in the heart of a Buganda municipality, Entebbe is sending a clear message of national harmony and mutual respect. It proves that despite our different backgrounds, excellence and service are universal languages that bring people together.
Dr. Odongo Okune’s credentials are as impressive as his character. A highly respected fellow of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, his academic contributions have revolutionized how the country approaches road financing and maintenance. Beyond the world of concrete and steel, his voice as a cultural leader has consistently advocated for better education, healthcare, and social development for his people.
This move by Entebbe ensures that the name of Engineer Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune is permanently woven into the landscape of the city. It is a well-deserved recognition of a life lived for others, reminding every passerby that true greatness comes from a commitment to building both the infrastructure of a nation and the spirit of its people.