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Today, members of the Parliament gathered at St. Luke’s Church in Ntinda to bid farewell to Dr. Tom Okurut, the former Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Dr. Okurut, who served in this role for a decade, passed away after undergoing brain surgery. His contributions to environmental conservation and management were acknowledged and honored during the memorial service.
Throughout his tenure at NEMA, which began in 2011, Dr. Okurut demonstrated unwavering dedication to the protection and restoration of Uganda’s environment. Under his leadership, NEMA played a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and implementing sustainable practices. Dr. Okurut’s commitment to environmental stewardship earned him respect and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Speaker Anita Among paid tribute to Dr. Okurut, highlighting his significant contributions to environmental preservation. She recalled Dr. Okurut’s involvement in discussions regarding the fight against climate change, particularly in promoting tree planting initiatives. Unfortunately, his passing occurred before he could fully engage in these efforts. Speaker Among expressed condolences to Dr. Okurut’s family and emphasized the importance of honoring his legacy by continuing the work towards a greener Uganda.
Dr. Tom Okurut handed over the reins of NEMA to Dr. Akankwasah Barirega on September 1, 2021, marking the conclusion of his two non-renewable terms as Executive Director. His decade-long leadership at NEMA was characterized by a steadfast commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Dr. Okurut’s passing leaves a void in the environmental sector, but his impact and influence will be remembered for years to come.
The announcement of Dr. Okurut’s passing was made by NEMA on their social media platforms. The Authority expressed sorrow at the loss of Dr. Okurut and promised to provide further details in due course. Dr. Okurut’s tenure at NEMA was marked by significant achievements and initiatives aimed at safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
Source: The Ankole Times