OYAM — Surrounded by family members, friends and well-wishers, Mzee Lawrence Okaka Egong celebrated his 102nd birthday at his ancestral home in Odia Village, Adel Parish, Otwal Sub-county, Oyam District, reflecting on a life that has witnessed colonial rule, political upheavals and armed conflict.
Born on July 10, 1924, Okaka marked the milestone with a thanksgiving mass, where he recounted his experiences serving under the British colonial administration, working in Uganda's prisons service and witnessing some of the country's most defining historical moments.
Speaking during the celebrations, Okaka said he was recruited by British administrators in 1950 and deployed to Kenya during the Mau Mau rebellion, where he served until 1955.
Upon returning to Uganda, he was invited by the Kabaka of Buganda to serve as a guard at the royal palace, a role he held for five years before returning to Lango.
He later joined the Uganda Prisons Service and rose to the rank of corporal prison warder, serving in several prisons, including Erute Prison.
The centenarian recalled witnessing the political tensions between Kabaka Edward Mutesa II and then Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote, including the 1966 attack on the Kabaka's palace by forces led by Idi Amin.
He also recounted confronting Amin over the killing of people in Lango and restrictions that affected cotton growing in the region.
Despite living through some of Uganda's most turbulent periods, including the Lord's Resistance Army insurgency that forced him to seek refuge at Loro Prison, Okaka attributed his long life to faith, discipline and healthy living.
"I have remained faithful, lived peacefully with others and taken care of my health," he said.
He encouraged young people to remain committed to their families and embrace healthy lifestyles.
"Stick to one wife, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly," he advised.
The 102-year-old said his daily diet mainly consists of vegetables, fruits, milk, soup and other natural foods.
He also called on Ugandans to plant more trees, saying they help protect the environment while supporting household livelihoods.
"Trees provide food, fuel and help protect the environment. Planting trees is one way of securing the future," he said.
Nutrition and Longevity
The Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Andrew Odur, said proper nutrition plays a critical role in promoting long life.
"The pillar of long life rests in what you eat," Dr Odur said.
He argued that traditional diets, which largely consisted of vegetables and cereals, contributed to the longevity of previous generations compared to modern diets dominated by processed foods.
"Our great-grandfathers fed mainly on vegetables and cereals, and many of them lived longer lives than people do today," he said.
Dr Odur warned that increased consumption of processed foods is contributing to rising cases of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
"We need to revise our family diet. A normal diet should have a lot of vegetables and fruits in it. Meat has its place, but it should not be the main dish every day," he said.
He encouraged parents to introduce healthy eating habits among children early, saying habits developed in childhood often continue into adulthood.
"If a child grows up knowing that vegetables and fruits are part of everyday meals, that habit stays with them for life," he added.
He also urged people to reduce highly processed foods, saying natural foods support digestion and overall health.
A Legacy of Wisdom
Family member Betty Engola described the celebration as a rare and joyful occasion for both the family and the wider community.
"Making 102 years is very rare. That's why we are very happy and that's why we are celebrating," she said.
Engola said Okaka remains a source of wisdom whose teachings continue to guide younger generations.
"We have learned a lot from Mzee Okaka. He teaches about family values, peace, unity and how to live with others," she said.
She urged young people to respect and care for elderly relatives, saying they carry valuable experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.
"Looking after the elderly is very important because they carry wisdom that cannot be found elsewhere," Engola said.
She described Okaka as a peacemaker who has consistently encouraged harmony and responsible living.
Otwal Parish Priest Rev. Fr. George Okello said Okaka's life demonstrates how personal choices, including diet, lifestyle and relationships with others, influence longevity.
"There is so much to learn from the life of Lawrence Okaka Egong. What we eat, how we live and how we treat one another greatly influence our lives," Fr. Okello said.
As he celebrated his 102nd birthday, Okaka cautioned caregivers against neglecting elderly family members, warning that abandoning older relatives weakens family bonds and social values.
The father, grandfather and great-grandfather said he believes God has kept him alive to continue sharing lessons of faith, discipline and healthy living with future generations.
His century-long journey remains a living record of Uganda's history and a testament to resilience, service and the enduring value of a life well lived.
