By Livingstone Okumu Langol
Photo: Oyengyeng News
The late Dr. Samuel Michael Ochora, the Acting District Veterinary Officer of Amuru passed on January 26, 2024, according to unconfirmed report, as a result of a soldier’s inadvertently fired gun, and was buried on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Alokolum Kirombe in Bardege-Layibi Gulu City Division. Mourners were unanimous in praising the impeccable record of the fallen doctor.
Junior Ceaser Okuya, the only known surviving brother to the late Dr. Samuel Michael Ochora eulogized his late brother saying he was a very talented person, a lover of gospel music and very passionate about his fellowship with Lifeline Ministries, a born-again worshiping group.
Okuya described his late brother as a very remorseful person, saying whenever he did something he perceived as wrong he would apologize even when he is innocent. He said the late Dr. Ochora loved smartness, cleanliness and was very organised.
“He told me that he was a student of smartness, he was my mentor, everything in this world, I have learned from him. He reminded us that academics is the wealth of the world,” Caesar said.
“Your journey will inspire us, (though) I know you will not be with us, you left us too soon, sorry,” added Caesar.
The life history of the Dr. Samuel Michael Ochora
Dr. Samuel Ochora was born on 18, May, 1991 to Ben Okwamoi of Puranga chiefdom Lamu clan, and Beatrice Okwamoi Awilo from Koch Ongako, Ibalo clan.
Dr. Samuel Ochora started his formal education at Mama Cave Nursery School which he attended between 1993-1996. He then proceeded to Unifat Primary School for primary one and later moved to Negri Primary School where he did Primary Two to Primary Five between 1997-2000. He later attended St. Theresa Primary School in 2001 but moved on to St. Noah Primary School where he sat for his Primary Leaving Examination in 2002.
Samuel then proceeded to St. Mary’S College, Kitende where sat for both Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education UACE between 2003-2009. He attended Makerere University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine between 2012-2015 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Production Technology.
He pursued his education further when he enrolled in Gulu University for a Master’s degree in Animal Production and Marketing and was due to graduate on 9th of February 2024.
Vocational Journey
Dr. Samuel Ochora joined Amuru District Local Government in 2016 as a Veterinary officer and in 2020 he was promoted to be the acting district veterinary officer, a position he held until the time of his death.
Faith Journey
Samuel was born and raised in an Anglican family and got baptized at St. Phillip\s Cathedral. He gave his life to Christ in 2001 at Life Line Ministries where he was acknowledged as a true worshiper of God in the Voice of Healing Choir where he served.
He served God faithfully up to the point of his demise. Several prophetic words were spoken over his life, but one that stands out was his label as “The bull of Gulu.”
Dr. Ochora leaves behind siblings: Akello Lucy Flora, Anenocan Lisa, and Okuya Junior Caeser.
One mourner proposed that a monument be erected at Amuru as a memorial for the fallen doctor.
