Celebration As Ex-Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports Omara Apitta Recieves Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal For his Outstanding Contributions and Loyalty to Uganda

By Jimmy Olot 

Nakapiripirit, Uganda: Former Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Lamex Omara Apitta has been conferred with the Title of been Honour of the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal for his Outstanding Service, Dedication and Contribution to the Development of Uganda.

This Medal is Awarded by H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda in line with Section 3 (1) of the National Honours and Awards Act. The Award was conferred upon Mr. Omara Apitta by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Republic of Uganda during the 2025 International Labour Day celebrations on 1st May 2025 in Nakapiripirit, Karamoja Region of Uganda.

  He was among 61 distinguished Ugandans who received the prestigious Awards, inspiring many in the process.Mr. Omara Apitta’s distinguished public service, private Consultancy work and community engagement in various capacities and roles spans over a period of 39 years. 

In 2018 Mr. Omara teamed up with a Consultant Mr. Pius Akeca at the celebrated Foundation Leads Consultancy Firm Currently Omara serves as a Member on the Uganda Human Rights Commission. 

Addressing the media at his residence in Lira City, Omara expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing the Award as his greatest achievement crowning all others. 

 "I feel truly honoured to receive this Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service, dedication and loyalty to our country Uganda. This Medal of Honor, coming after so many years God has blessed me with in service of my country, without expecting any reward, is immensely rewarding. It means so much to me. It is an Award no amount of money can buy" Omara stated. 

 Mr. Omara Apitta thanked President Museveni for honouring him with the Medal Award, and for entrusting him with many years of office in Government to serve Uganda.

He also urged those in public service to always focus on excellence in the performance of their duties and avoid expecting rewards or extra pay for work they are employed to do.

Reflecting on his service journey, Omara revealed that a turning point in his career came in 2006 when he met President Museveni alongside Ugandan 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Gold Medallists Dorcus Inzikuru, and 5,000m Gold Medallist Boniface Kiprop medallist at State House Nakasero, when H.E, President Y.K. Museveni hosted the victorious National Team which had just returned home from Australia. 

H.E. The President was impressed by the National teams performance, but dismayed to learn that the Ministry did not have a Sports Department, and that he Apitta a junior officer, an Senior Assistant Secretary, was a lone officer in charge of Sports at the Ministry Headquarters.

 The President directed that the Ministry establishes a fully fledged Department of Sports at the Ministry, a directive that the Ministry leadership (Hon. Bitamazire, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, PS Xavier F.X. Lubanga, PS Aggrey Kibenge) assigned him to coordinate the execution of, and a Department of Physical Education and sports was operationalized in 2007, following which, working with NCS, Sports Federations, Associations and other sports stakeholders, sports excellence and performance for Uganda soared to unprecedented heights, thanks to President Y.K. Museveni’s Vision and directives.

Mr. Omara was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 2007, and later in 2012 appointed Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, a position he served in until retiring in 2020, after which he served on Contract as Commissioner, and later as Technical Adviser on Sports to the Ministry for one year.

Now serving as a Commission Member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal, Omara Apitta continues to make an impact in various capacities. He is also a governing member of the Federation of Uganda Employers Association, where he expressed gratitude for opportunities after his retirement from public service. 

"I very much thank Foundation Leads Ltd CEO and team, and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) Council Chair, ED, CEO and team for the tremendous work we've done together in my work journey”

 Mr. Apitta has a rich mix of academic qualifications including: PG Diploma in Sports Management (KYU), Certificates in; Strategic Leadership(UMI), Management of China Aid Projects (Beijing, China), Sports Facilities Management (Beijing, China), Corporate Governance (UMI), Youth Sports Administration (Lusaka, Zambia), Management for Results, Project Planning and Management (UMI), Environmental Management (Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada), Assessment of Environmental Protection (University of Gent, Belgium), Environmental Policy Development and Implementation (International Law Institute, Washington DC, USA)

The great man from Lango also holds a Master in Business Administration (UMI), and Master in Public Administration and Management (MU). He is a holder of a BA (Hons) Political Science and Social Administration (MU), Certificate in AdministrativeLaw (LDC), and a Diploma in Human Rights (LDC), Kampala.Omara Apitta is a well-travelled person who has built a big network of human resource in in Uganda as well as abroad.

Born in Ayami Sub-county, Lira District on 23rd November 1960, Omara Apitta comes from a lineage of dedicated public servants. 

His Late father Nikanori Apitta (RIP), himself also a recipient of the National Independence Medal Awarded to him by H.E. President Y.K. Museveni at the Tarehe Sita National Celebrations on 6th February 2017 in Apac District, was a distinguished Ugandan whose contributions left lasting marks serving the country in various roles, among others as Liberation fighter, Headteacher, Community Development Officer, District Commissioner, RCV Vice Chairman Lira, Head of Lay Christians Diocese of Lango, Board Chairperson Lango College, among many other responsibilities.

 His Late mother (RIP) Norah Apitta was a Housewife.Mr. Omara Apitta is married to his wife Jane, and they have 5 children – Tony, Jane, Marvin, Ingrid, and Carl. His siblings include Christopher Agonga (RIP), Phoebe Tombe, Gilbert Okelo, Betty Apitta, Mildred Alum Apitta (RIP), James Okullu (RIP), Tom Otim, and David Olwa.