The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
TRIBUTE | HARRY SAGARA | Oh, Ona… where do I even begin? The world of journalism has lost a true giant, and as I sit here reflecting on your legacy, I can’t help but chuckle through my tears.
Ona was more than just a colleague; he was a mentor, a leader, and, let’s be honest, a walking embodiment of charm and charisma. With legs so long you wondered what a roundhouse kick from him would look like, he carried himself with a swagger that made it seem like he was paying more tax than MTN and BAT combined. He was the Editor of The Crusader, where he led a brave group of ten journalists who left The Monitor to create something fresh and daring. It wasn’t just bold; it was downright revolutionary for our time, and it worked like a charm.
My first day in the newsroom around 1997 was unforgettable. I was a rookie, and to say I was lost would be an understatement. There I was, hunched over a computer, typing with one finger at a time as if I was picking beans. I’d never even touched a computer before. But Ona, always the soft-spoken and patient mentor, stood by my side and helped me type my first-ever news story. You’d think I was writing the next great investigative piece, by the way he encouraged me. His calm demeanor and reassuring guidance turned an intimidating moment into one of growth.
Now, anyone who worked at The Crusader remembers the infamous story that almost turned the newsroom upside down. The Crusader had published an explosive piece about Museveni allegedly arming his Banyankore tribesmen. What followed was straight out of a spy thriller: security personnel stormed our offices, and two of our own, George Lugalambi and Meddie Musisi, were swiftly arrested. While chaos ensued, it was Ona—calm, collected, and strategic—who was running around with Peter Mwesige, ensuring that these guys appeared in court immediately. They even raided the home of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), determined to leave no excuse for delays. That’s the kind of dedication and loyalty that defined Ona. He wasn’t just a journalist; he was a protector of the craft and of his people.
And then there’s the legendary semen story. For those who might not know, this was an actual case involving Museveni sending cattle semen from his Rwakitura farm to Vice President Kazibwe to inseminate her cattle. But things went awry, and by the time the semen arrived, it had gone bad, leading Kazibwe to dispose of it. The Crusader seized on the moment, crafting the sensational headline “KAZIBWE POURS MUSEVENI’S SEMEN.” It was scandalous, to say the least. When Ona saw the headline at the printing press, his eyes practically popped out of his head. He knew we’d be in serious trouble. So, in true Ona fashion, he ordered the presses to stop and swiftly changed the headline to “KAZIBWE POURS RWAKITURA SEMEN.” Crisis averted—sort of. It was a masterclass in crisis management, and only Ona could have pulled it off with such finesse.
Beyond the newsroom, Ona was the kind of friend who looked out for you. I remember the last time I called him, seeking support for a project at Bullseye Creative. By then, he was Director of Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries, but that didn’t stop him from rolling up his sleeves and helping me out. He led me directly to the marketing manager, saying, “This is something we can fund, so make it happen!” That was Ona for you—he didn’t just pass the buck; he made sure the job got done.
I had been meaning to meet up with him to sign my copy of his book, but life, as it sometimes does, got in the way. I always teased Cathy, his wife, about how she fluked such a good man. But the truth is, we all fluked out. We were lucky to have known him.
While I won’t delve into his time as MP for Amuria or Museveni’s spokesperson, it’s safe to say that Ona’s influence stretched far beyond the newsroom. We lost touch during those years, but his impact never faded. His legacy as a journalist, mentor, and friend will live on in the countless lives he touched.
To Cathy and the kids, my heartfelt condolences. Ona wasn’t just a great journalist; he was an extraordinary human being. His legacy will continue to inspire, and the memories will always bring a smile. Rest in peace, Ona. You may be gone, but your spirit, humor, and wisdom will live on forever.
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Harry Sagara is a veteran Journalist
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