Ugandan presidential advisor and city business, Cornelius Lorika Kodet passed away on Sunday morning at around 4am after multiple organ failure at his residence in Entebbe.
The tourism big lion and proprietor of several multibillion enterprises including Moroto Hotel, Entebbe Aero Beach, Katurum Lodge in Karenga plus others, passed away over the weekend at his residence.
Born 1939, Mzee Kodet leaves behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and economic transformation.
He inspired generations of young entrepreneurs and invested heavily in development and his vision for Karamoja region was very clear, said Isa Kodet.
His vision was very clear and also donated land for the construction of the Ateker cement factory and introduced mechanized farming in Namalu plus championing the upgrading of the Kidepo Airstrip into the planned Karamoja Airport.
Kodet was the first to establish a ranching farm in Karamoja to demonstrate that livestock can be kept in one place, said Dr. Mark Ilukol from Napak district.
He said this model is particularly relevant today as land pressures increases and Dr Ilukol described him as a pioneer who spent his entire life in enterprise development and shaping the regional business landscapes.
Mzee Kodet previously anchored news at Radio Uganda and later attempted to join Parliament in 1961 under the Democratic Party before things turning upside down.
Over time, his efforts made him a multimillionaire after introducing modern butcheries in Karamoja and also extended them to districts like Mbale.
He also imported macarons from Somalia and supplied them to the military during the Idi Amin’s regime.
Elder Jackson Angella described Kodet as a hardworking man who preferred job creation to politics, building businesses that employed many across the region.
Angella recounted Mzee Kodet’s journey through several ventures including working at Uganda Meat Packers in Soroti plus engaging in livestock trade.
He donated land for the construction of a cement factory and also led many into cattle trading plus constantly advising the K’jongs to abandon cattle rustling and embrace legitimate business.
Kodet transformed Aero Beach into one of the country’s most iconic attractions by installing retired aircraft, historic sculptures, and monumental figures, including representations of President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the Queen of England, created around the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit.
His innovative approach helped redefine Entebbe’s lakeside entertainment and made Aero Beach a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals.
Kodet rehabilitate Katurum Lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park, a former luxury resort built during Idi Amin’s presidency to bring it back to life from the shells.
He was an advocate for local tourism investment and regional development while emphasizing Ugandan entrepreneurs to revive the neglected national park lodges and spur economic growth in underdeveloped areas, quoted media reports.
Kodet leaves behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and economic transformation and will be laid to rest on Sunday,December 14, 2025 at his ancestral home in Lomorungai village, Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit district.
He was a staunch NRM party diehard and man of his words until the lord called him after serving his nation and May the Good Lord keep his family plus friends strong during this trial moment.(By PEACOCK KAWEESA & Agencies)
