By KT Reporter
The Makerere University community has with great sadness received the news of the passing on of our long serving Dean of Students, Father figure and Mentor to thousands of our alumni, Pastor John Ekudu. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
If loyal and distinguished service had a face, that face would be Pastor John Ekudu. A concurrent graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Botany/Zoology) and Diploma of Education of Makerere University in 1974, he, like many in that turbulent era, could have chosen to flee, but he didn’t.
Instead, he chose to stay, and along with many fresh graduates and senior staff, graciously accepted the title of “economic war lecturers/professors”, whose selflessness kept Makerere’s gates open during unpredictable times. In 1982 he was appointed Warden of Kabanyolo Hostel and thereafter Warden of University Hall in 1989, where he was promoted to the rank of Senior Warden.
In 1995 he was promoted to Dean of Students and whereas this would marked the beginning of a time to seat back and relax, it turned out to be a baptism of fire. The introduction of private sponsorship and cost-sharing which dealt away with “boom” incensed students. And then came the nightmare serial killings of students in 1996 and 1997. Dealing with strikes became his daily bread but still he chose to stay.
But he did more than stay. He thrived, improving students’ meals with the introduction of much-needed animal protein, not to mention the daily dose of bread and rice. Pastor Ekudu was the true embodiment of taking the stumbling blocks that life throws at you and trusting God to help you turn them into stepping stones.
We therefore stand with the family during this trying time and pray that the God Almighty, who knows the plans He has for each and every one of us will continue to comfort and strengthen you.
May Pastor John M. Ekudu-Adoku’s soul rest in eternal peace.
-UBC. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
