Cornelius Lorika Kodet, a businessman from Karamoja known for developing tourism projects including Aero Beach in Entebbe, has died, the family announced on Sunday.
In a brief obituary, his family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear father. His kindness, humour, warmth and love touched the lives of many.”
They added that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Kodet, a long-time resident of Entebbe, was widely celebrated for his bold creativity and distinctive contributions to the tourism and leisure sector.
He transformed Aero Beach into one of the country’s most iconic attractions by installing retired aircraft, historic sculptures, and monumental figures, including representations of President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the Queen of England, created around the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit.
His innovative approach helped redefine Entebbe’s lakeside entertainment and made Aero Beach a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals.
Son of Karamoja, hotelier, and investor, Kodet had interests across tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and industry, particularly in Karamoja, Kidepo, Entebbe, Moroto, and Mbale.
He owned and managed several ventures, including Aero Beach, Mount Moroto Hotel, and Apule Safari Lodge.
He rehabilitate Katurum Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park, a former luxury resort built during Idi Amin’s presidency, bring it back to life from the ruins that had left the government mulling razing it down.
Kodet was a strong advocate for local investment in tourism and regional development, emphasizing that Ugandan entrepreneurs could revive neglected national park lodges and spur economic growth in underdeveloped areas.
Beyond tourism, he led Savanna Mines Limited, which partnered with the government to establish the Ateker cement factory in Moroto District, offering industrial and employment opportunities for locals.
In a 2022 interview, Kodet highlighted Karamoja’s untapped potential, saying: “Karamoja has a special power line for industries. It is 10% of Uganda’s land.
"The largest region in the whole of Uganda. Karamoja is bigger than the whole of Rwanda. The Kenya and Sudan border is 500 kilometers. We need young Ugandans to come and invest in Karamoja. There is room for any business. What you need only is for people to accept that you are a Ugandan. Come and work.”
Apart from his business pursuits, Kodet also served as President Museveni’s Special Advisor on Karamoja, further cementing his influence on regional development initiatives.
His passing marks the loss of one of Uganda’s most inventive and entrepreneurial figures, remembered for his warmth, humour, and transformative vision in both tourism and regional industry.