On 15th January 2020, the Makerere University community awoke to the sad news of the passing on of Senior Prof.essor Johnson Opio Acon, which occurred in the early morning hours at Kampala Independent Hospital. He was a Prof.essor in the Department of Veterinary Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB). Please see below for some tributes from colleagues.
“Sometimes I run out of hope. Prof. Acon’s demise is a tragedy. I mourn him greatly. Prof. Acon has been a person who combined incredible achievement with great personal grace. Prof. Nasinyama once intimated to me that Prof. Acon was the greatest philanthropist to many of his students.
He was elegant in every way, the way he spoke with a soft Edinburgh accent, the way he dressed, his immense courtesy and concern for others. I can dare say, in all ways, Prof. Acon had style! He was smart in dressing and intellect; he was simply incomparable. From 1996 – 2005, I did not need to go to car vendors to know the trending vehicle in town because I could easy know that from Prof. Acon's latest car. For the two decades I interacted with Prof. Acon, I got testimonies to the effect that he had immense positive impact of the current and next generation of Veterinary Medics. I observed salient attributes befitting of a distinguished academic especially that he epitomized quality, ethics, standards and professionalism in all forms and manner. He leaves an indelible mark on the graduate research training function at Makerere. He truly symbolized a well cultured Professor in an African premier University i.e. of great scientific repute and champion of evidence use as a driver of change. I found him an amiable man with commitment to transform graduate training at Makerere.
During the 90s and early 2000s, when he was still an active member of Senate, Prof. Acon was always picked by the Chair and listened to by all not only for what he said, which always moved our thinking, but also for the way he said it; quietly, utterly without bombast, but with immense authority. He always made valuable contributions; never backed down from a good argument or passionate exchange. He always had a recommendation of something. He believed in the power of ideas, and in the power of sharing those ideas. His eloquence, well contextualized arguments, vigilant choice of words earned him respect among Senators.
There are generations of scientists at Makerere and globally, particularly in veterinary medicine who owe their academic success to Prof. Acon. Recently, much of his endeavor was focused on research for society, where he facilitated at many of the regional symposium.
Like many distinguished African elites of his time, Prof. Acon paid allegiance to Makerere University, promoted professionalism and integrity, but most importantly, he promoted good research practice. Prof. Acon had a big heart, a hearty laugh and dazzling intellect that he used to encourage rather than intimidate. He will be sadly missed by DRGT and all who knew him, both for his presence and for his contributions to Makerere’s intellectual development. We shall miss my friend Prof. Acon, with his wisdom, his humor and his generosity.
May his soul rest in peace. (Psalm 23 & 121)”
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT)
“May The Good Lord Grant him eternal Peace and comfort his family. Very sad indeed.”
Prof. Denis K. Byarugaba, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)
“Oh sincerely sorry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Dr. Isaac Mugume, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
“This is indeed a tragedy. May God have mercy and grant all family and friends peace, comfort and strength in the midst of this storm.”
Dr. Jessica Aguti, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
“Very sad indeed. May the Lord comfort the family and friends.”
Betty Akoli, Department of the Academic Registrar
“This is very sad news. Professor Johnson Opio Acon is one of those people that made one admire his profession. He treated animals and people well. He has contributed greatly to the brand of Makerere University. On a personal level, I first met him in 1989. Back then, Veterinary Medicine was running an ambulatory clinic that I happily joined each time Dr. Seguya, Dr. Biryomumaso, the Late Frank and others run. We shall miss him dearly.”
Prof. Noble Banadda, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
“It's indeed a very sad day for the Veterinary profession, CoVAB and Makerere University. Prof. Acon has been an icon of the veterinary profession with very rare attributes of commitment, time keeping and professionalism that endeared him to his students, patients and clients.
May God strengthen and uphold his family through this dark season. The Veterinary Fraternity will miss him dearly. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Dr. Sylvia Angubua Baluka, President Uganda Veterinary Association President, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)
“Very shocking news indeed. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
Dr. Okwi Andrew Livex, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
“So sad. May his soul rest in peace.”
Prof. Felix Bareeba, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
“It is indeed sad to have lost our senior colleague in the Veterinary profession. Our sincere prayers to the family upon this loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
Dr. Fredrick Muyodi, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
“Prof. Acon will forever be missed by CoVAB, Makerere University community, Local and International Veterinary community, Academia and most of all, his family. My sincere condolences to all.”
Prof. George W. Lubega, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)
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