Mrs Hellen Alyek Ogwang was born on the 18th of April 1949 to Mzee James Olut of Okarawok Atar clan, and Imat Joyce Achola of Atek Olimakwanga clan in Kwera Sub County, present day Dokolo District.
She started school in 1959 to 1964 at Kwera Primary School and she later completed her primary education at Dokolo Primary School in 1965.
From 1966 to 1968, she joined Junior Secondary School in St. Catherine Junior Secondary School Boroboro in Lira District, where she studied upto Junior three.
In 1968, she got married to Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP), a son to Reverend Gideon Okello (RIP) of Okarawok Otiling clan and Imat Drucilla Angiro Okello (RIP) of Ober Clan. Mzee Abimiriki Ogwang and Imat Hellen Alyek Ogwang begot six children namely;
- Peter Okello( RIP)
- Dr Betty Akubu
- Agnes Angiro Beingana
- James Muge
- David Otim Ogwang
- Andrew Omara
The children named above also bore for Yaya and Mzee Abemiriki Ogwang the following lovely Grandchildren:
- Agatha Judith Akullu(RIP)
- Jesse Abimeriki Ogwang
- Jeremiah Otim Muge
- Joshua Omara Muge
- Joy Alyek Nimaro
- Abigail Angiro Agenorwot
- Deborah Alyek
- Annalise Blessing Angiro
- Jethro Nathan Muge
- Alden Abimeriki Ogwang
- Elliot Ogwang
Tribute:
The life and times of our dear mom (Yaya) is a testament of faith and hope. She lived a fully-fledged Christian life which was underpinned by the virtues and personality of; compassion, meekness, patience, long suffering, perseverance, generosity, love , kindness, doing God’s work and a deep desire for unity in the family and accommodation of people with diverse views, and from diverse backgrounds.
Our Dad Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP) whom we fondly called “Apap”, loved his family and particularly his wife very deeply. He fondly called our Mom Alyek which is a special pet name of the Lango people.
Those who called her Alyek were people who had a very special attachment with her.
Yaya had a very forgiving and a large heart.
Her vision for her family was premised on God’s word. She was a fervent Christian and she prayed a lot and observe fasting regularly. She was a prayer warrior and our rear guard as her children, most especially during the times when we tragically lost our dear Dad (Apap) Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP) in an accident.
Mum was a strong pillar in our family and a true symbol of unity. She always encouraged us to love and support each other and remain United as children of one family, and we thank her immensely for this.
She was an avid housewife who took care of not only her children but other children regardless. Our home was open to anyone, as was typical of mother’s of that generation. She supported the Education of her children and also that of other children who were not her children. To her, every child deserved to be given a chance to study.
She was a mother to many children including our friends whom we grew up with from childhood to this day.
Yaya was a farmer and a very enterprising woman. Between 1979 to 1985, she run a wholesale shop in Lira main market until it was looted and run down during the 1985 coup.
Her unwavering support to our dear Dad (Apap) Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP) and towards his medical profession in the times of difficulties, made our Dad excel in his profession. Our Dad was probably the most accomplished Clinical Officer or Medical Assistant of his time.
Yaya was welcoming to everyone, her house belonged to everyone. Those who grew up in Lira in the 1980’s and 1990’s can testify that Abimeriki’s house was a hospital 24/7. She supported our Dad Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP) in saving many lives, welcoming patients who would come in even in the most odd hours of the night seeking treatment especially children.
As the old English adage states “Behind or besides every successful man, there is a woman”. Yaya was that woman to Apap.
Her support catapulted our Dad (Apap) Mzee Abimeriki Ogwang (RIP) to greater heights in his medical profession.
Fare thee well Yaya!
From the children of Yaya.
2 Timothy 4: 6-18
There will be a Funeral Service in her honour at home in (Kirombe west cell, Ayira Road, located after CHOGM gardens) on Thursday, 29th August 2024 starting at 10.00am.
Burial will take place at Adedi Village, Achoto parish, Agwata Town Council-Dokolo District on Friday, 30th August 2024, starting at 10.00am.
Informed are: Relatives, Friends and In-laws
MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.
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