Ex-Makerere guild president Okurapa dies

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Former Makerere University guild president George Okurapa is dead.

Okurapa, who served from 1985-86, died in the Canadian city of Ontario where he has been living.

A report of his death came to New Vision Online through his close friend, Kwame Ejalu.

"Yes, it's true Okurapa is dead. We will share full details later," Kwame said on Saturday (January 11).

Okurapa, a staunch Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party member, fled the country on January 22, 1986, four days before the National Resistance Army took over power, citing political harassment.

He sought asylum in neighbouring Kenya and later proceeded to Canada, where the government there gave him permanent residency.

In October 2022, he flew back to Uganda with his wife Edina Okurapa and met President Yoweri.

Okurapa (R) with his wife Edina Okurapa (L), met President Yoweri Museveni. (File/Courtesy)

During the meeting with the President, Okurapa urged all Ugandans living in exile due to political differences to return home, join hands with the Government and develop their country together.

"I am a free man and not living in fear," he said at the time.

"I am a true testimony. If there is anyone in the diaspora who wants to come back, let him or her come back. There is no harm."