A Lira University lecturer collapsed and died as he tried to enter his car after shopping groceries in Lira City on Tuesday evening.

Alex Oryang Chono reportedly collapsed in front of his vehicle that was parked on the road after shopping from Lira Central Market at about 5:00 pm. He was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, Chono who had been supervising end-of-semester one examinations at Lira University, packed his groceries in the car but when he went to open the driver’s side door, he suddenly collapsed.

Eulogised

Lira University spokesperson Patrick Opio on Wednesday morning said the deceased went to university and invigilated examinations but collapsed immediately after shopping at Lira Main Market.

Opio said the deceased was a dedicated officer and his death has left a huge gap at the university.

Chono, who formerly served as a district councillor in Apac district, was reportedly set to graduate with PhD next year at Makerere University.

Upon receiving the notice of the untimely death of Chono, fellow staff and students abandoned all normal businesses and flocked Lira Referral Hospital mortuary.

Lira University Dean of Students Emma Aceng Okite said the death has paralysed all the activities at the Faculty of Management Science.

Aceng said even the end-of-semester examinations in the faculty have been disrupted by the head of the department's death.

“It’s very unfortunate that we lost Chono, a man who was down to earth, very calm, humble and trustworthy, a team builder who died when he had not reached the peak of life in academic excellence,” Aceng eulogized.

She said the university management is in touch with the family to arrange the burial adding that the program will be unveiled anytime soon.