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TRIBUTE 

Academic giant Prof. Justine Opio Epelu, who served as the deputy vice chancellor Makerere University between 1993-2003, has been laid to rest.

Opio who died aged 80, is credited in Teso region for peace building having served as the chairperson Presidential Commissioner for Teso.

In the early 1990s, insurgency rocked the region after the Iteso took arms against the Government but Opio accepted to take the mantle to go and talk to the rebels to abandon fighting the Government.

“He was a brave man who went to talk to the rebels and managed to win the hearts of the rebels who abandoned fighting the Government,” recounted the former minister Rose Akello who served with the deceased as his secretary.

She was speaking during the burial ceremony on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Several Professors were in attendance during Prof. Justine Opio Epelu's send off. (All Photos by Godfrey Ojore)

Former electoral Commission chairperson Besweri Akabwai described Opio as having been a peacemaker who had Teso at heart.

Kumam paramount chief Rafael Otaya, who also served with Prof. Opio, hailed him for his bravery in talking to the rebels face to face.

“We celebrate a hero who abandoned his career for Iteso. The peace we enjoy today is out of his efforts,” Otaya said.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Patrick Amuriat described Opio as Teso 'saviour' who served the country with dignity.

Minister Musa Ecweru said that T

Present were Prof. Francis Omaswa, Prof. John Ikoja, Prof. John Okedi, Prof. Asibo, Prof. Olila among others.

Auriat and Soroti district Woman MP Anna Adeke Ebaju and Soroti county MP Patrick Aeku.

About Opio

• Prof. Opio was a born of Gwetom, Ocokican in Soroti district
  
  
• His parents were Gabril Opio and Erina Aripo both deceased.
  
  
• Worked as a lecturer at Makerere University in February 1973
  
  
• Senior scientific officer in Lusaka Zambia 1977-1982
  
  
• Senior lecturer and associate professor at Makerere 1982-1985
  
  
• Head of department of veterinary anatomy:1985-1990
  
  
• Professor and later deputy vice-chancellor 1993-2003
  
  
• Authored  a book: Teso war 1986-1992 causes and consequences
  
  
• Served on several boards and a member of numerous organisations
  
  
• Survived by five children, three boys and two girls and wife.