The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community is in mourning following the sudden and mysterious death of Amos Opio, a 28-year-old student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at the university’s Arua campus. Opio’s passing on August 20, 2024, has left his family, friends, and the wider community in shock and grief.
The university announced the tragic news today via their official Facebook page, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our BSW student, Amos Opio, who was just one semester away from graduation. May his soul rest in peace,” read the brief statement from Uganda Christian University Arua campus.
The circumstances surrounding Opio’s death remain unclear, though reports suggest that he died in Nebbi. His brother, Shepherd Oyirwoth, who is also a lawyer, voiced the family’s anguish and confusion over the incident. In an emotional Facebook post that has garnered numerous condolence messages, Oyirwoth expressed his heartache and unresolved questions: “Words fail me. I have too many questions. And few answers. But we look to you alone for our healing! What can I say, dear Lord? Thank you for his life. And thank you for giving me the honor of sharing it with him for 28 beautiful years.”
Oyirwoth added that the family will provide details about burial arrangements in due course.
The impact of Opio’s death extends beyond his immediate family, touching many in the sports and youth development circles where he was an active participant. Sam Kumakech, the director for youth, information, and sports at Alur Kingdom, described the loss as a significant blow to the sports fraternity. “On a sad note, on behalf of the Alur Kingdom Youth Development Forum, we have lost one of our great comrades this morning. Amos, also known as Amos Goodnewz from Nebbi, was valuable to us in sports, academia, entertainment, and youth mobilization for development,” Kumakech stated.
Opio, affectionately known as “Amos Goodnewz,” was well-known in his community, particularly for his passionate support of the Nebbi Central Football Club, a regional league side based in Nebbi Municipality. The club paid tribute to their loyal supporter, recalling his unwavering dedication to the team. “We are saddened by the untimely passing of our ardent and die-hard supporter Amos Goodnewz, who wasn’t afraid to take on the whole world if the world was against NEBBI CENTRAL FOOTBALL CLUB. As a club, we shall surely and truly miss your support and contributions to the club. Rest well, solja,” the club posted.
