Former Koboko Speaker George Ambe Dies at 78

Koboko District is in mourning following the death of George Wilson Ambe, a prominent politician and the district’s first speaker, who passed away on Wednesday at Kampala International Hospital at the age of 78.

Born in 1947, Ambe was a foundational figure in Koboko’s political history. He held the esteemed positions of the district’s first speaker and pioneer LCV chairperson. Prior to Koboko’s establishment as a district, he represented Koboko Town Council within the broader Arua District Council.

Ambe’s health had been declining, with family members reporting that he spent over 16 days in the intensive care unit. He underwent four surgeries to address blood clots and fluid buildup in his brain. His son, Francis Rakajombe, indicated that complications from diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions Ambe had managed since 1998, led to his passing.

Before his political career, Ambe worked as a banker with Grindlays Bank in Arua. He later served in the army during Idi Amin’s regime and contributed to humanitarian efforts with the Red Cross in Arua, Congo, and South Sudan.

Colleagues remembered Ambe as a unifying force and a visionary leader. Former Koboko County MP James Baba recalled Ambe’s instrumental role in initiating the “Koboko We Want” project, aimed at fostering dialogue on the district’s development priorities. Baba lauded Ambe’s intelligence and foresight, noting his ability to grasp complex issues despite his formal education ending at Senior Four.

Others, like Deputy Director-General of NARO, Dr. Sadik Kassim, and Koboko County MP Emmanuel Banya Natal, highlighted Ambe’s humility, peacemaking abilities, and commitment to community harmony and good governance. He is survived by 16 children and three widows.

His body remained at Kampala International Hospital awaiting transport to Koboko for burial arrangements, which included a special tribute session by the district council. This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.