Toronto, Canada – George Okurapa, the Guild President of Makerere University during the 1985/86 academic year and a staunch supporter of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has passed away.
Okurapa succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his home in Toronto on Thursday.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on his X account, expressing shock and deep sorrow at the loss. According to Tayebwa, Okurapa’s wife, Edinah, revealed that he suffered cardiac arrest following his daily routine and was pronounced dead hours later.
“George had committed his energy to work with President Museveni to bring about reconciliation between the opposition diaspora and the government. It is sad that he passed away before we could accomplish this project, but I’m sure his efforts won’t die in vain. My condolences to the family and the country at large,” Tayebwa wrote.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among also paid tribute to Okurapa, calling him a unifier who transcended political divides to unite the Ugandan diaspora.
“In his collaboration with President Museveni, he laid the groundwork for reconciliation and worked towards the things that bring us together. My sincere condolences go out to President Museveni, his dear wife Edinah, their family, as well as his relatives, friends, and in-laws. May the good Lord grant him eternal rest,” said Among.
Renowned journalist Andrew Mwenda shared his personal reflections on Okurapa, whom he first met in 1997 at the home of former Ugandan President Milton Obote in Lusaka, Zambia.
“A dynamic intellectual with a big heart, George hosted me at his home for a week during my first visit to Toronto, Canada, in July 1998. We kept in regular touch all these years until his sudden death from cardiac arrest yesterday. He embodied the best qualities of humility with grace; very difficult to anger and very easy to get along with,” Mwenda said.
Okurapa’s legacy extends beyond his leadership at Makerere University, as he remained a significant figure in Uganda’s political and intellectual circles. His work toward bridging divides in the Ugandan diaspora earned him admiration from across the political spectrum.
He is survived by his wife Edinah and his family. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
