Entebbe Municipality Renames Kalitusi Road to Honour Engineer, Cultural Leader Dr. Odongo Okune

LCC TV NEWS

Entebbe, Uganda – In a ceremony that underscored the intersection of professional excellence and cultural heritage, Entebbe Municipality has officially renamed Kalitusi Road, adjacent to State House, to 'Eng. Odongo Okune Road'. The decision, which was passed by a unanimous vote during a special council session chaired by Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda, honours the distinguished career and cultural leadership of Engineer Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune .

The newly named road now serves as a permanent tribute to Dr. Odongo Okune, a native of the Lango sub-region whose professional footprint has left an indelible mark on Uganda's infrastructure landscape. Dr. Odongo Okune's legacy is twofold; he is celebrated not only for his technical acumen in engineering but also for his current role as the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) of the Lango people .

His professional career is most notably defined by 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, strategic leadership, and fundraising, ensuring that countless kilometres of roads across the country were kept passable. His vision was instrumental in developing Uganda's critical road network, directly connecting communities and facilitating commerce .

In a significant transition in 2017, Dr. Odongo Okune was sworn in as the Paramount Chief of Lango, a role that saw him steer the cultural well-being of the Lango people . This transition from shaping concrete and steel to steering cultural identity showcased the recognition of his leadership and wisdom beyond the professional sphere.

Mayor Rulinda, in his address, stated, "Today, we make history by honouring a man whose work has touched every corner of our country, yet who remains deeply rooted in his culture." He added, "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" .

The gesture has also been met with support from local residents and business owners. Sarah Namutebi, who runs a shop on the newly renamed street, shared her pride, saying, "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" .

The renaming is also viewed as a positive step towards cultural integration and national unity. By honouring a Lango cultural leader in the heart of Buganda, Entebbe Municipality is fostering a sense of respect for diverse traditional institutions across the country .

A Fellow of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, Dr. Odongo Okune is highly respected in academic and professional circles. His doctoral research focused on innovative approaches to road financing and maintenance—work that has left a significant mark on the field of civil engineering in Uganda. As a cultural leader, he remains a strong voice for education, health, and development in the Lango region .

For Dr. Odongo Okune, this honour stands as a powerful affirmation of a life lived in service, connecting communities and steering the nation towards a brighter future .