We are gathered here today to remember Henry, who was known to many as H, to celebrate his life and to acknowledge both the joy that the gift of his life was to us and the sorrow that his passing from our world has caused us. We gather together in joy and grief in the hope that this shared fellowship will help lessen our pain and enable us to remember the joy he brought us more clearly. Henry John Odanga was a much loved son, nephew, father, uncle, brother, friend, colleague and employee. He was only 58 years old when he died while admitted at Kampala International Hospital on the morning of 3rd October, 2022 due to breathing complications as a result of a sudden pneumonia infection. He was born on the 31st of March 1964 in St Mary’s hospital Lacor in Gulu District to Canon David John Odanga and the late Mabel Ilavoga. He was married to Irene Mirembe and had three children: Joel Odanga aged 26 years living in Canada; Mirembe Payton Paige aged 12 years and Kalungi Callie Ollie aged 6 years and was expecting the fourth child.
Henry was blessed with a brilliant mind and excelled at almost everything he did. He attended East Kololo Primary school for his primary education and Kings College Budo and Makerere College School for his secondary education. He attended Makerere University Medical School and the United States International University Africa for his University education. Henry worked in different roles throughout his life and was presently working in the UPDF-Airforce as a social worker and specialized in general health service management; crisis, trauma and bereavement counselling; corporate governance; HIV/AIDS clinic operations; medical research planning and development among other responsibilities.
He additionally held a number of leadership positions including the role of Chairperson Local Council 2 of Kololo 1 Parish, Kampala and was aspiring to become the Chairperson Local Council 3 of the same parish. Henry liked sports and was particularly an avid cricket and football fan. He faithfully supported Manchester United football club. He was once a Sports Prefect and Captain of the Junior Cricket team while at Secondary school. He enjoyed travelling, listening to the BBC and watching various documentaries. Surprisingly he was a very good cook and enjoyed cooking for others and sharing recipes. Henry was a kind, caring and thoughtful person who had time for everyone irrespective of who they were. He was funny and full of banter. H had a joke for every situation and there would be laughter wherever he was. He was a peace maker and would use wisdom in diffusing difficult situations and conflicts and when he could not, he would take a background stance.
Despite his weaknesses, which he had like the rest of us, H was reliable and committed. He would endeavour to fulfil all that he pledged and promised to do even until the end. Many people called upon him for support, advice and guidance. Most importantly Henry was a committed follower of Christ Jesus and this has brought us immense peace knowing that it is well with his soul. Henry will live on in our memories and stories and through the lives of his children and what the rest of us have become because of him. We as a family will endeavour to honour his life by continuing his legacy and exemplifying his good works. H was many things to different people but he was our best friend and we cannot imagine what life is going to be like without him. We will always remember him.
There will be a Funeral Service at All Saints Church, Nakasero on Thursday, 13th October 2022 starting at 02:00pm, thereafter a vigil will be held at their home in Kololo.
There will be another vigil at their home in Busia on Friday, 14th October 2022.
Burial will take place at their ancestral home in Busia on Saturday, 15th October 2022 at 02:00pm.
Informed are: Relatives, Friends and In-laws.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
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