The sudden, mysterious death of Amos Opio, a 28-year-old student set to graduate in a few months from Uganda Christian University with a Bachelor of Social Work from the university’s Arua campus, shocked the entire community. Opio passed on August 20, 2024, which sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the wider community of people so greatly affected by that turn of events, leaving them in dire sorrow and disbelief.
This was later confirmed by UCU in a statement on their Facebook page. It expressed shock and sorrow from the university over the loss. “We are saddened by the sudden demise of our BSW student, Amos Opio, who was one semester away from graduating. May his soul rest in peace,” said the statement from Uganda Christian University Arua campus.
Opio’s death remains murky, with reports that he succumbed in Nebbi. His brother, Lawyer Shepherd Oyirwoth, expressed shock on the family’s behalf in a mournful post on Facebook, which attracted mass condolence messages. “Words fail me. I have so many questions. And very few answers. But we look to you alone for our healing! What am I to say, dear Lord?” Thank you for his life. And thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing it with him for 28 beautiful years,” Oyirwoth wrote, an expression of deep pain and unanswered questions the family faces.
The family has announced that they will provide further details about burial arrangements in due course.
Opio’s passing has not only shaken his family but also the sports and youth development fraternities where he is an active member. Sam Kumakech, the Director for Youth, Information, and Sports at Alur Kingdom, said, “On a sad note, on behalf of the Alur Kingdom Youth Development Forum, we lost one of our great comrades this morning. “Amos Goodnewz of Nebbi was instrumental to us in sports, academics, entertainment, and in mobilizing the youth for development,” Kumakech said, noting the enormous impact the deceased had on the people.
Opio, popularly known as “Amos Goodnewz,” is most famous for his ardent support of Nebbi Central Football Club, a regional league outfit based in Nebbi Municipality. The club eulogized the devoted fan, recalling his true devotion. “We are saddened by the untimely passing of our ardent and die-hard supporter Amos Goodnewz, whom fearlessly engaged the whole world provided the world was against NEBBI CENTRAL FOOTBALL CLUB. As a club, surely and truly we shall miss your support and contributions to the club.”. The club posted a touching tribute: “Rest well, solja.”
Where the UCU community and most people who knew him are trying to come to terms with this sudden demise of Amos Opio, what is clear is that his legacy in passion, dedication, and love towards his community shall surely live on.
