{UAH} Tribute to Francis Odida (RIP)

Francis Odida receiving keys to Nommo Gallery from First Lady Miria Kalule, the glamorous wife of Prime Minister Apollo Obote, in 1963.

 Francis Odida (RIP) will be best remembered, among his other achievements, for his role at the formative stage of the Heart- Beat -of Africa, the famous Uganda national troupe of dancers of different cultures and for being its first Administrator, under the Ministry of Culture and Community Development in mid 1960s.

The group brought joy and entertainment to people of Uganda.  They were a fixture at various national events across the country.  Francis took the troupe to different parts of the world, showcasing Uganda multi cultures as well as promoting Uganda as a tourism destination.  One such tour was to the famous Montreal (Canada) Expo World Trade Fair 1967.   

At one of their performances, held in Dar -es- Salaam University Campus in Tanzania, around 1970, one Ugandan student took it upon himself and jumped on the stage to welcome the group on behalf of Uganda community at the University instead of the official chair. The Uganda delegation later learnt that it was the routine habit of that student whenever there were visitors from Uganda.  I leave it to you to guess who that student was!!!

 One of the highlights of Pope Paul V1 first visit to Uganda and Africa in 1969, at Nsambya Catholic Centre in Kampala, was the colourful display of real dancing talents by the Heart- Beat- of- Africa.  However, all did not go well for Francis on that occasion as he was reprimanded by his Minister Hon C. B Katiiti, after receiving complaint from the Vatican entourage, through its Papal Pro -nuncio in Uganda.  The complaint was about the attires of the Dingi Dingi dancers.  The papal delegation regarded the girls' attires as "topless", unsuitable display in-front of the Pontiff.

You will also be pleased to know that one of the group's renowned dancers, later became Uganda First Lady, number 4, wife of Field Marshall Iddi Amin Dada, Mrs Madina Amin. 

It is unfortunate that she did not advise her husband to sustain the group after the 1971 military coup.

Francis other legacy is the Uganda artists and musicians' association which he formed in 1963.  One white lady lobbied the Prime Minister Milton Obote on his behalf and the newly formed group was given the annex of Nakasero Presidential State Lodge as their centre and was named Nommo Gallery; the property that is now occupied by Major General Elly Tumwine under controversial  circumstances.  Most of the well- known names in Uganda music and art scene, like Elly Wamala, Eclas Kawalya and others made their debut from this centre.

He was Uganda's Culture Guru.  

Francis Odida Born: 18.05.1938 – Died: 15.09.2020