Okee Barmich Valerian Foundation
A Legacy of Service, Education & Integrity
Honouring five decades of dedication to Northern Uganda, rooted in Lokung, Lamwo District
Learn His StoryEst. 2026 · In Memoriam
Okee Barmich Valerian Foundation
Honouring five decades of dedication to Northern Uganda, rooted in Lokung, Lamwo District
Learn His StoryEst. 2026 · In Memoriam
Who We Are
The Okee Barmich Valerian Foundation was established in 2026 by his family in loving memory of Okee Barmich Valerian (1946 to 2026). Mr. Okee dedicated his life to education, public service, and community development in Northern Uganda. Through this foundation, his family carries forward that legacy by providing scholarships, supporting community health, and promoting transparent governance in Lamwo District and beyond. The foundation operates from Lokung, the community Mr. Okee served his entire life.
Receiving a Presidential Medal for Parliamentary Service, September 2016
His Life & Legacy
Mzee Okee Barmich Valerian was born on 1st January 1946 in Licwa West Village, Licwa Parish, Lokung Sub-County, Lamwo District. He was the son of Okeny Michelin Awaki Oya of the Pangira P'Ocii Clan and Lamoo Suzan of Poyinga Clan from Pawaja, Kangole North Village, Paloga Sub-County, Lamwo District.
He began primary education in 1954 at Pangira Bush School. He subsequently attended Lokung Karatac Catholic School, Monsignor Antonio Vignato Junior Secondary in Kitgum, Comboni College Ngetta Lira, Teso College Aloet Soroti, then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting at Makerere University (1970–1971), followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
He taught at Kitgum High School, Gulu High School, Lira High School, Teso College Aloet, Mbale Secondary School, and Pajule College where he served as Head Teacher. He was the founder of Lokung Secondary School and authored a book on O-Level Commerce. He also served as Accountant and Internal Auditor at Vitafoam (U) Limited, and Head of Accounts at Star Building Construction and Engineering.
In 1996, he was elected Member of Parliament for Lamwo Constituency, the first MP to introduce the NRM to Lamwo. He served on the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development, self-funded a health clinic in Pader Parish, and participated in the Kacoke Madit peace conferences in London in the late 1990s.
He served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee for Lamwo District, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of Lokung Secondary School, and held numerous leadership roles in the Catholic Church including Director of Finance at St Francis Sunflower Press, Padibe.
Addressing Parliament, Kampala
What We Stand For
Carrying forward a legacy of service
Providing scholarships and educational support to students in Lamwo District, carrying forward Mr. Okee's 40-year legacy as an educator.
Investing in community infrastructure and healthcare access, inspired by Mr. Okee's personal construction of a health clinic for Pader Parish.
Promoting transparent governance and civic education in Northern Uganda, honouring Mr. Okee's distinguished service on the Public Accounts Committee.
Our Work
Three bursary streams supporting students in Lamwo District: the Okee Lifetime Bursary, the Pangira Prize, and the Lamoo Prize celebrating girl child education.
Learn moreContinuing Mr. Okee's legacy of healthcare access in Pader Parish and surrounding communities.
Training young leaders in financial accountability and public service in Northern Uganda.
Education for All
Keeping Mzee's vision alive, one student at a time.
The Foundation Bursary Programme exists to ensure no student in Lamwo District is denied education because of poverty. Mzee Okee believed deeply that any child who showed a love for learning deserved every chance. This programme is his legacy in action.
Stream A
For students who are academically strong but financially unable to continue. Fees are paid every term through completion.
Stream B
A term-by-term excellence award open to all students at participating schools. No application needed.
Stream C
Celebrating excellence in girl child education. Top-performing female student in class each term at participating schools.
Applications for the 2026 academic year are open. Contact us at info@okeebv.org or visit the contact section.
Latest
The Okee Barmich Valerian Foundation has activated its first round of bursaries for students in Lamwo District. The programme begins in Pangira and Lokung, the ancestral home of the late Hon. Okee Barmich Valerian, starting next school term.
This is a direct continuation of what he spent his life doing quietly: paying school fees, writing proposals, and believing in people who needed someone in their corner.
“That work did not die with him on the 13th of April. We are not starting with words. We are starting with action.”Support the Bursary Fund →
Remembering Him
Okee Barmich Valerian
Presidential Medal, September 2016
Addressing Parliament, Kampala
Wamiyo deyo bot Okee Barmich Valerian latic pa lwak, lapwony ma ki geno, ki latela ma lagen. En opwonyo pi mwaki pyeraŋwen, ocung pi Lamwo i Ot moko cik, dok otelo wi dongo pa lwak. Wa po i kome kare weny.
(Translation: We give honour to Okee Barmich Valerian, servant of the people, trusted teacher, and leader of integrity. He taught for forty years, stood for Lamwo in Parliament, and led the development of the community. We remember him always.)
Ladit Okee Wapo Nyingi
The song composed and performed at his memorial function
Give Back
Your contribution helps carry forward Mr. Okee's legacy of education and community service in Northern Uganda.
Reach Out
We'd love to hear from you. Reach us directly or use the form.