Former Kween MP Dr John Yekko dies at 73
Dr John Yekko arap Kissa died on May 12, 2025. Photo/Courtesy
What you need to know:
- Dr Yekko’s education journey began at Kokwmurya Primary School in Kapchorwa, after which he attended Teso College, Aloet for his secondary education. He later joined Makerere University to study medicine, and furthered his studies with a master’s degree in Management of Surgery at Leeds University in the United Kingdom.
Dr John Yekko arap Kissa, the former Member of Parliament for Kween County in Kween District, has died.
Dr Yekko, who had been admitted to Rubaga Hospital in Kampala after battling an illness, died on May 12. He was 73.
Born on January 1, 1952 in Kewapwrang Village, Kapkoch Parish, Binyiny Sub-county in present-day Kween District, Dr Yekko represented Kween District in Parliament between 2001 and 2011.
Family members confirmed the demise this evening, as the news spread across the Sebei Sub-region.
The reverend of All Saints Church, Kapchorwa, where Dr Yekko was a regular member, Rev David Siwa, eulogised the former legislator as one whose legacy touched so many lives,
"We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Yekko. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. He was a beacon of wisdom, faith, and kindness to all who knew him. His presence in the church and community will be greatly missed."
“He leaves behind a legacy that has touched so many lives, and his steadfast dedication to both family and faith is an example for us all. As we mourn his loss, may we also find comfort in the cherished memories and the knowledge that his spirit will continue to guide and inspire all of us. We are keeping you all in our prayers for peace and strength in the days ahead. May the Lord strengthen all of us in this trying time. Amen,” Rev Siwa said this evening.
Dr Yekko’s education journey began at Kokwmurya Primary School in Kapchorwa, after which he attended Teso College, Aloet for his secondary education. He later joined Makerere University to study medicine, and furthered his studies with a master’s degree in Management of Surgery at Leeds University in the United Kingdom.
Before pursuing a political career, Dr Yekko served as medical superintendent in Bundibugyo and Kapchorwa hospitals between 1979 and 1989.
However, between 1989 and 1996, the allure of politics came calling and he joined the National Resistance Council as a member, representing Kween County then under Kapchorwa District.
In 1996, he lost the contest for Kween County seat to Maikut Chebet (RIP) and he decided to serve in Kapchorwa hospital as a medical superintendent as he lay a political fortress in Kween that would ensure an uninterrupted two-term representation when the next poll came in 2001.
In 2011, he lost the seat to a newcomer in the field, Abdi Chemaswet Kisos, who now serves as MP for Soi County in Kween District.
He had retired into private practice.
The family was by last evening, May 12, thrashing out the finer details of the funeral and burial arrangements.
More details to follow...
