Prof Opio-Odongo eulogised

An accomplished man of integrity, approachable and humorous, were words that were repeatedly used at the funeral service to describe the fallen Lango academic icon, Prof Joseph Opio-Odongo held at Lira Cathedral, Lira town on Friday.
Educationists and leaders across the political divide have since his passing last Sunday continued to pay tribute to the academic, who invested wisely in humanity.

Prof Opio-Odongo was soft-spoken and a humble prolific scholar. A son of Aboke in Kole District, he impacted on development initiatives in Uganda and beyond. He provided effective support to the Uganda Cooperative Movement, influencing micro-economic reform nationally in the 1990s, working with the Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd to ensure the farmers in Uganda are competitive in the ever changing market place.

Educationists, relatives, friends and in-laws of Lango described him as one with an incorruptible nature.
He suffered a stroke and was admitted at Nakasero Hospital, Kampala where he died last Sunday.
Canon Joyce Nima, Vice chairperson of Lira University Council, where the deceased has been working as the university council chairperson, said the deceased’s name invokes memories of love, kindness, integrity and selflessness.
“Fare thee well gallant son of Uganda, father, teacher and friend. May the seeds of greatness you have planted in this university yield fruits that will last. We salute and cherish your memory forever until the last day when we shall hear the trumpet sound,” she said.

Dr Dan Okello, the deceased’ friend, said Opio’s death came at a time when the country needed him the most.
“He has been very useful in my life. First of all, he was my OB; they were the pioneers in Lango College when the college was established in 1960s,” Dr Okello said.
He added: “In 2003, he was one of those fellows who actually assisted me in publishing my famous book which has now become a textbook in many institutions and universities in the world.”
Dr Okello said he got his PhD through Opio’s work. “I remember him very vividly for the work he has done. He’s a man to be graded very highly.”

His contributions
Prof Opio is credited with developing Rwanda’s successful Decentralised Environment Management Programme, a model for nations around the world.
He served at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as an international civil servant supporting UNDP Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia and Rwanda.
Mr Roy O’dur, described his late uncle as “an accomplished, academician, community development practitioner, a consummate thinker and a season resource person in the field of sustainable development.”

Opio-Odongo’s body was flown from Kampala to Lira District with a UPDF helicopter. The body touched the ground at Lira Airfield at around 11:16am and was welcomed by Lira University staff members and students, friends and relatives before being taken to the university council hall.
Prof Opio-Odongo, who has left behind eight children and one wife, will be buried at their home village at Aboke in Kole District on Saturday.