Erifasi Otema Allimadi, Former Ugandan Prime Minister, Dies at 72

On this day in 2001, Uganda lost a significant figure in its political landscape with the passing of Erifasi Otema Allimadi. He died at Mulago Hospital in Kampala at the age of 72.

Born on February 11, 1929, Allimadi was a seasoned statesman with a career spanning decades of public service. He occupied several high-ranking positions during critical junctures in Uganda’s history.

Allimadi served as Uganda’s third Prime Minister from December 1980 until the military coup that ended Milton Obote’s second administration on July 27, 1985. His tenure as Prime Minister came during a period of significant political transition.

Prior to leading the government, Allimadi was instrumental in rebuilding Uganda’s global standing following the fall of Idi Amin’s regime. As Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1979 to 1980, he worked diligently to re-establish diplomatic connections under the Uganda National Liberation Front government.

His diplomatic career began earlier when he represented Uganda abroad. He served as Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States and as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, laying groundwork for international engagement.

After the 1985 coup, Allimadi spent time in exile in London. During this period, he chaired the Uganda People’s Democratic Movement, championing democratic reforms. He returned to Uganda in 1992 to contribute to peaceful political discourse before eventually retiring from public life.

Allimadi’s enduring legacy is marked by his extensive contributions to diplomacy, governance, and his commitment to political dialogue during Uganda’s challenging historical periods.

Source: Nile Post