UPDF to accord former Gulu RDC Lapolo gun salute

The army will accord the deceased RDC a gun salute at his memorial service on March 13, 2021 at his ancestral home

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF is to accord the former Gulu Resident District Commissioner, Major Santos Okot Lapolo a gun salute almost two months after his death and burial.

The late Major Lapolo succumbed to COVID-19 at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 9, 2021. He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Lujorungole village in Orom sub county in Kitgum district two days after in line with COVID-19 burial guidelines.

Despite his rank and service in the army, there was no gun salute accorded to the former RDC as the case is with all soldiers. At the rank of Major, Lapolo was entitled to a 13-gun salute.

URN has learnt that the army has decided to accord the deceased RDC a gun salute at his memorial service scheduled for March 13, 2021 at his ancestral home.

Bosco Odoki, the chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee for the memorial prayers says the army has agreed to accord the Late Lapolo the gun salute during the memorial prayers which wasn’t possible at the time of his burial because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Stephen Odong Latek, the Gulu Resident District Commissioner (RDC) says Lapolo deserves a benefiting sendoff by his comrades because of his service as RDC, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and Intelligence Officer.

Lapolo served UPDF from the early 1990’s and held various positions including being the Intelligence Officer (IO) at the Internal Affairs Ministry. He was also a celebrated farmer and professional secondary school teacher.

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URN