By Dinah Kakai
HON Betty Amongi Akena, Minister of Gender, Applauds Dr.Eyul James, for his outstanding service to the Nation, as Dr. Is laid to rest in Amocal, Ibuje Town council, Apac District
The Dr. Who was in charge of Aviation Health at Entebbe Airport, died of accident around Bweyale. Below is the heartfelt condolence message
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE AT DR. JAMES EYUL’S BURIAL
It is with a heavy heart and enormous sadness that we gather here today to say farewell to a fearless warrior of humanity, a man who bore the standard by which all good is judged-Dr. Eyul. Dr. Eyul gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country, his memory, for Uganda, will not only be by inscriptions on his grave, BUT in the hearts of many whom he touched. During COVID and EBOLA epidemic, where the airport remained opened, he put his life on the line to keep us safe.
To the wife and children, the clan, the community of Ibuje, and the entire country, I share your grief at Dr Eyul’s passing and extend my deepest condolences. Dr. Eyul was a personal friend; we did some business together, and he had interested me in investing with him in aviation health insurance where he was sourcing for the cost of an air ambulance. Such was his big ambition. Whenever he was in Lira, he would call me and insist that I join the golf club of Lira city since they are my neighbour.
It is unfortunate that this intelligent and hard-working doctor was knocked down in the prime of life, while working to alleviate the suffering of people in the field of public health. Dr. Eyul loved his community so dearly that he constructed a health facility in his home area, where he invited me to officiate. Recently, he informed me of how the health facility got submerged in water and how he struggled to redeem it. His vision to offer the best health care for this community has been cut short, and I urge our district local government of Apac to work with the family, and us, the national leaders, so that we lobby for government to support the facility under a PPP arrangement to ensure that the health facility operates as per his vision. The district local government can pass as a resolution if the family concur, and forward to MOH through the procedures, and we take it up.
We are still in a state of shock at his passing. His bravery and courage in handling COVID and other EPIDEMICS at the Airport was inspiring. That same commitment to the service of others was the defining mark of Dr Eyul’s life. He put himself in harm’s way so that children, families and communities at risk of COVID and other diseases could receive the care, support and dignity they deserve.
He served as an example to all who had the privilege of working with him.
It is thanks to people like him that we have made progress in our healthcare system, and it is thanks to people like him that the epidemic was defeated. My interaction with him confirmed that he always wanted to serve the sick, the most vulnerable, the poor, to help them survive and thrive.
I am sorry that I am unable to join you to bury our dear son due to national duty beyond my control. I have sent your MP to pass my message to all of you in this painful and difficult ordeal.
Dr. will remain for us all an example, a hero, and a light for future generations. Fortunately, he leaves behind children who have demostrated that they will not allow the legacy of their father to die. I urge the community to send their children to school, so that we can get many more such leaders from among this community.
To the widow and the family, I urge you to unite and ensure that the businesses he started, and the assets that he accumulated, should not turn into a source of conflict and disrepute to his name and legacy. Continue to run the businesses. We shall be in the background to support you where necessary.
Recieve my humble contribution of one million shillings to support burial expenses.
Goodbye, my brother. Rest in peace.
Amongi Betty Akena, MP
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
