Entebbe Authority Renames Kalitusi Road ‘Eng. Odongo Road’
In a move that beautifully blends the recognition of technical expertise with the reverence for cultural heritage, Entebbe Municipality has officially renamed Kalitusi Road, to ‘Eng. Odongo Road’.
Regina Lalam Olal
BY FELIX OMARA
ENTEBBE UGANDA :The new name is a tribute to the illustrious career of Engineer Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, a man whose professional footprint spans decades and who now serves as the Won Nyaci of Lango.
The decision, passed by a unanimous vote during a special council session chaired by the Mayor, His Worship Fabrice Brad Rulinda, is a testament to the community's desire to honor individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on the nation.
Dr. Odongo Okune's legacy is twofold, perfectly encapsulating both infrastructure and identity.
A native of Lango, Dr. Odongo Okune dedicated the better part of his professional life to the engineering sector. His vision and technical acumen were instrumental in the development of Uganda's critical road network, particularly his long tenure as the Executive Director of the Uganda Road Fund (URF).
During his time at the URF, he was a staunch advocate for sustainable road maintenance, which many see as the bedrock of economic development. His strategic leadership and fundraising capabilities ensured that countless kilometers of roads across the country were kept pliable, connecting communities and facilitating commerce.
His transition from shaping concrete and steel to steering the cultural well-being of the Lango people as the Won Nyaci in 2017 was a significant moment. It showcased that his leadership and wisdom were recognized far beyond the professional sphere.
Mayor Rulinda stated, "Today, we make history by honoring a man whose work has touched every corner of our country, yet who remains deeply rooted in his culture. He said "Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has engineered more than just roads; he has built a legacy of dedication, wisdom, and service that serves as an inspiration to us all."
Local residents and business owners along the newly named road have expressed their support for the change. Sarah Namutebi, who runs a shop on the street, shared, "It is good to see our local council recognizing important people while they are still alive. Dr. Odongo Okune is a respected leader, and we are proud to have our road named after him. It makes us feel like we are a part of a larger, more connected community."
The renaming is also seen as a positive step towards cultural integration. By honoring a Lango cultural leader in the heart of Buganda, Entebbe Municipality is fostering a sense of national unity and respect for diverse traditional institutions. Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune is a fellow of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and is highly respected in both academic and professional circles.
His doctoral research focused on innovative approaches to road financing and maintenance, work that has left an indelible mark on the field of civil engineering in Uganda and beyond.
As a cultural leader, he has been a strong voice for education, health, and development in the Lango region, using his platform to promote unity and social progress.
This gesture by Entebbe Municipality will ensure that his name continues to be a part of the city's fabric for generations to come. For Dr. Odongo Okune, this honor is not just a personal achievement but a powerful affirmation of a life lived in service to others, connecting communities and steering them towards a brighter future.
