Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has described late Prof. Justin Epelu-Opio as a great administrator and academic who championed the transition from admitting strictly Government-sponsored students to accepting privately- sponsored students.

Epelu-Opio, who was the deputy vice-chancellor (VC) at the time of Tayebwa's undergraduate studies at Makerere University, Kampala, died on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Tayebwa made the comments on Thursday, April 18, 2024, while representing Speaker Annet Anita Among during a funeral service at Makerere University St Francis Chapel in Kampala.

“In 2001, I joined Makerere and at that time a young boy from Mitoma district, who came to Kampala for the first time, life was exciting, everything was too big. I didn't have a political Godfather but having someone like Epelu believing in you not looking at where you come from,” Tayebwa remarked.

Tayebwa said the deceased saw leadership potential in him when he and his friend organised an event to commemorate the Rwanda Genocide.

“He said If you don’t become wrong characters in future, you’re going to be honoured and from then he called us and started mentoring every month,” Tayebwa added.

Epelu-Opio is known to have had a political lens and collaborated with the Government so that many deserving Ugandans gain access to quality university education. Tayebwa mentioned that the late read the mind of the President who wanted to liberalise higher education so that he can give education to many people who wouldn't have qualified for government sponsorship.

 “If it wasn't for this development I wouldn't have come to Makerere,” Tayebwa said.

Epelu-Opio also pioneered the restoration of peace in the Teso region which he documented in his book: Teso War 1986-1992: Causes and Consequences.

About Epelu-Opio

Prof Epelu-Opio served as Makerere University’s Deputy VC from 1993 to 2004, which is the longest service.

He was a lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he was promoted to head of department. During his time as head in 1989, Epelu-Opio became a professor.