Okurapa fled after NRA took over Kampala in 1986

President Yoweri Museveni met and welcomed back home the former Makerere University Guild President and UPC supporter, George  Okurapa, who has been in self-exile in Canada for the last 36 years.

The meeting took place Thursday at State Lodge in Nakasero.

Okurapa, who was Makerere’s Guild President from 1985-1986, fled the country on January 22, 1986 fearing for his life due to his political affiliation.

Former Makerere leader fled the country on January 22, 1986 fearing for his life due to his political affiliation (PPU Photo)

He sought asylum in Kenya, and later proceeded to Canada where he was granted permanent residency by the Canadian government.

President Museveni assured Okurapa, who was flanked by his wife, Edida Okurapa, of his safety as peace is today prevailing in Uganda and wanainchi are embarking on programs tailored by government for poverty eradication.

The former MUK Guild President said that he took a bold decision to return to his motherland and urged all Ugandans who are living in the diaspora due to political differences to return home and join hands with the rest of Ugandans to develop the country.

“I am a free man. I am not living in fear. I am a true testimony. If there is anybody in the diaspora who wants to come back let him or her come. There is no harm,” he stressed.

Okurapa pledged to support the government in the development of the country.

Meanwhile President Museveni at the celebrations to mark 100 years of Makerere University decided to allocate 70 percent of the Education sector’s budget to science because of its progress and exceptional role in promoting social and economic change in Uganda.

“Recently, I enhanced the salaries of Science teachers and there was an uproar but now we are doing well. Science is the prima of all social changes. If we didn’t live in science, we would not exist. Therefore, either you disappear or survive on mercy of others. When God is still keeping me to lead Ugandans, I will not allow that,” he said.

“Science is the way to go because if we are to live in the modern world, we should deal with issues of prosperity and you cannot prosper unless you produce more goods. Look at the Japanese they don’t have much resources but they are the third richest in the world. Why? Because they produce goods and we give them money and they become rich.”

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa commended the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for budgeting and funding the infrastructure development at Makerere university that has enabled the institution to take on many learners at the same time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1JLGDnHrk&t=11s