UK 03 November, 2025: The passing of George Okello 67, the son of Former Dokolo county chief (Rwot) Joseph Okello, has brought sorrow to the Lango community and those leaving in united kingdom.Â
According to his friends in United Kingdom, Okello was an inspired man—a political refugee from Uganda, a passionate human rights lawyer, and someone who worked tirelessly for his community.Â
‎Though he never returned to Uganda in his lifetime, due to his misgivings about governance in the country, it was his wish that he be laid to rest in his ancestral home in Dokolo Uganda.
Eulogy for the Late George Okello delivered at the Funeral Service – 03 November 2025 in LondonÂ
We are gathered here this 3rd of November in the memory of my brother—George Okello. With our hearts weighed down by grief, yet uplifted by gratitude, to honour the life of our beloved brother, father, uncle, colleague, and friend so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that his life was to us, and the pain that his passing brings. We are to share in the joy and the pain together. May our strength in the togetherness lessen the pain as we also remember more clearly the joy. A family member delivered the message at the Funeral Service in London– 03 November 2025.
George Okello was born on 23 March 1958, in what was then Lango District, now Dokolo District.
According to the family, “at just 67 years old, he suddenly passed away on Saturday the 6th of September 2025 at his home in London due to blood clot ( deep vein thrombosis) and health complications leaving us devastated.The shock of his departure is still fresh, and the pain of his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him. Even in our mourning, we are here to celebrate his life—a life rich in meaning.
Other statements reads in part “George was one of 8 children by our mother Imat Penina, the most intellectual of us lot. His wisdom and courage have always been a source of support for myself and my family. As the 6th of 8 children, my brother was the glue that held the family together when responsibilities and adulthood shipped us off in different directions. He had the leadership of an eldest, the strength of a middle child and the warmth of a pretend youngest.
They continued that “George lived with brilliance, with dignity, and with a spirit of service that touched countless lives. Today, as we remember him, we do not only recall the sorrow of his passing but also the cheerfulness of his presence, the wisdom of his counsel, and the warmth of his friendship.
Early Life and Education
From his earliest days, George displayed a sharp mind, a gentle spirit, and a determination that would carry him far. His education, guided by his parents, was the foundation of his remarkable journey.
He began at Angwecibange Primary School, continued to Duhaga Secondary School in Hoima for his O Levels, and later attended the prestigious Kings College Budo in Kampala for his A Levels.
George’s academic excellence opened doors to higher learning. He pursued a Bachelor of Laws at Makerere University in Kampala, where he distinguished himself as a student of rare promise.
After graduating from Makerere University, George was posted to Ministry of Justice, Attorney General Office and as State Attorney where he showcased his excellence in legal profession. His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. When he came to United Kingdom, he had further study at some of the most respected institutions here in the UK and abroad, including:
• London South Bank University, UK
• The International Institute of Human Rights, Strasbourg, France
• The College of Law, UK
• The Open University, UK
• The University of Hull, UK
This extraordinary academic journey shaped him into a lawyer of rare brilliance, admired not only for his knowledge but also for his exceptional command of language.
Professional Life and Human Rights Contributions
George was more than a lawyer—he was a human rights advocate of the highest order. His training at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg gave him a global perspective, but his heart remained firmly rooted in the struggles of ordinary people.
He understood the law not simply as a profession but as a calling—a means of defending dignity, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring that justice was not a privilege for the few but a right for all.
One only has to look at any forums where George contributed, such as Uganda at Heart, to find George’s fearless writings—always advocating for human rights, always standing for justice.
In every setting, whether in the lecture hall, or the community gathering, George carried himself with calm assurance and quiet dignity. He was polite and respectful in manner, yet firm and fearless in conviction.
He believed that truth should never be compromised, and he had the courage to speak it with clarity, even when it was difficult.
His colleagues often remarked that he was not only one of the finest lawyers of his generation, but also a man whose intellect, discipline, and integrity could have carried him to the very top of the legal profession—as a judge, even as Chief Justice of Uganda.
His mastery of language was legendary; he could dismantle the most complex legal arguments with precision, yet he always did so with grace and courtesy.
Okello’s professional life was guided by a deep sense of justice. He was meticulous in his preparation, persuasive in his advocacy, and unwavering in his ethical standards. To those who worked alongside him, he was a model of professionalism; to those who came before him for counsel, he was a source of reassurance and wisdom.
Yet beyond his professional excellence, Okello was a man of the people.
He never allowed his achievements to create distance between himself and others. He was approachable, warm, and ever ready to extend a helping hand.
His generosity of spirit was evident in the way he mentored young lawyers, encouraged students, and supported friends and colleagues in times of need. He believed in lifting others up, in sharing knowledge freely, and in building bridges across communities.
A Man Close to Family and Community
Okello was very close to his family, to his friends, and to his local communities. The pain of his death is not something that can be eased by words of condolence or by flowers alone. What makes it bearable is knowing that we are gathered here today because of the wonderful memories he left us.Â
You came here and gave hours of your day because George was a loving son, a supportive brother, a loyal husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and an amazing friend. He left us a part of himself that neither time nor even death can ever take away.
Okello was an inspired man—a political refugee from Uganda, a passionate human rights lawyer, and someone who worked tirelessly for his community. Though he never returned to Uganda in his lifetime, due to his misgivings about governance there, it was his wish that he be laid to rest in his ancestral home.
Family and Community
George’s greatest pride, however, was not in his professional achievements but in his family. George will be remembered as a wonderful brother, a great friend, a generous uncle, cousin, father and grandfather.
In all these ways and more, George made our lives richer and fuller. Now that he has passed away, of course there is emptiness and pain, confusion and maybe even anger at death coming to a man of only 67 years, but in many ways, the gift of George’s life is still here with us.
He lives on in our memories and stories, in his children Anna and George and grandchildren Emani and Omosie, in whom his legacy continues and in what all of us have become because of him. So, I encourage you to share –today, tomorrow and in the years to come- your memories and stories, about George and to share the pain of your loss as well. In this way we will keep the gift of George’s life alive.
To his family, George was a pillar of love and strength. To his community, he was a source of pride. To his friends, he was a companion of loyalty and warmth. His passing is a devastating loss not only to his family and the Lango community, but to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His Final Journey Home
As we honour George Okello today in London, we also prepare to return him to his ancestral home in Dokolo, Uganda.Â
Below are the important dates and details:
– 5th November 2025: George’s remains leave the UK for Uganda.
– 6th November 2025: Arrival at Entebbe airport and transport to Dokolo District
The body will arrive at Entebbe airport in the morning and then be transported directly to Dokolo.
It’s expected to arrive around 4 pm, after which it will proceed straight to the church for a service, and then to Atat’s place until the burial on 8th November 2025.
– 8th November 2025: Burial at ancestral burial ground in Dokolo.
