history 26 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Captain Akena: A Survivor of Amin's Brutality and Witness to Oyite Ojok's Downfall
Captain Rufino Akena, a veteran of Ugandan military history, recounts his harrowing experiences under Idi Amin's regime and his observations of the subsequent political landscape, including the dramatic helicopter crash that claimed the life of General David Oyite Ojok. Known affectionately as 'Kampanyola' in his native Lango sub-region, Akena's narrative offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in Uganda's past. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/captain-akena-survived-amin-and-watched-oyite-ojok-crash-5571390
Captain Rufino Akena, a man whose life story is deeply intertwined with Uganda’s often turbulent military history, shares his remarkable journey. Still referred to by the evocative nickname ‘Kampanyola’ in the Lango sub-region, Akena has navigated some of the country’s most perilous political eras.
His recollections span the brutal Idi Amin regime, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses and fear. Akena’s survival during this time is a testament to his resilience and perhaps a measure of luck in a dangerous environment. He lived through the constant threat and uncertainty that defined Amin’s rule, a period many Ugandans would rather forget.
Beyond his own survival, Akena was a firsthand witness to significant events that shaped the nation. Among these was the tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the death of General David Oyite Ojok. This incident, a pivotal moment in the post-Amin era, remains a stark memory for those who followed Uganda’s political and military developments.
Akena’s narrative provides a personal lens through which to view these historical moments. His experiences offer a ground-level perspective, complementing the broader historical accounts and bringing a human dimension to the nation’s challenging past.