The widow of renowned academic icon, educationist and book author Prof Peter Jakayo Ocitti has said his husband had for long dreamt of establishment St Janani Loum University in Mucwini Sub-county in Kitgum.
Prof J.P Ocitti as he was popularly known succumbed to diabetes and hypertension on September 6 at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala. He was 80.
Ms Grace Ocitti, while speaking to mourners during a requiem mass at Christ Church in Gulu town today said her husband had for long dreamt of and consulted stakeholders with the aim of establishing a university in the memory of the late Bishop Janani Loum. Loum was the Church of Uganda bishop, murdered during Amin’s reign of terror.
“He kept on telling me the advantages of education, he constantly reminded me of his ambition to see University of St Janani Loum come to reality. He loved education and loved to help other people in-line with education,” Ms Ocitti said.
She said the hands of death had snatched her husband before his university dreams could materialize.
Wife Feared Ocitti Was Married to Books
Talking of their life as couples in their heydays, Ms Ocitti sent mourners into laughter when she said at times, she was worried about their relationship because the deceased was too addicted to books.
“My husband was married to books; I asked myself several times on what I was going to do with such a person, but he later encouraged me to study, go high with my level of education and I got used to his way of life.”
She also described the late Prof Ocitti as a Christian who was devoted to church activities.
Northern Uganda Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Johnson Gakumba, testified to the congregation that Prof Ocitti while still alive approached him with his proposal of having the University of St Janani Loum established.
“He one time came to my office and told me of his plans and wanted the involvement of the Church of Uganda in it. They were good plans but unfortunately he passed on before achieving, I hope that God grants his wish to come true,” Gakumba said.
Gulu University Vice Chancellor Prof Jack Nyeko Penmogi whose message was read by Dr Felix Kaducu, the dean Faculty of Medicine eulogized late Prof Ocitti, saying his death has plunged Acholi and the entire country in darkness.
Prof Ocitti is survived by a wife and five children and four grandchildren. He will be buried tomorrow (Friday) at his ancestral home in Pajule Lacani village in Pajulle Sub county Pader district.
Who is late Prof Ocitti
Prof Ocitti was born on September 15 1936 to late Peter Oyaro and the late Erina Akullu.
The deceased attended primary school in Agoro, Lira Palwo among others. He went to Gulu High School for his secondary education, Sir Samuel Baker School and Oxford University in United Kingdom.
He had his teacher training in Kyambogo and later graduated in 1966 with Bachelors of Education from Makerere University.
He attained his masters of Arts in Geography in 1972 and Doctor of Philosophy in the cultural education from Dar-es-salaam University in 1979.
His Works
Prof Ocitti began his teaching career from Lira Palwo Junior School.
He later embarked on university teaching at Makerere University from 1960-1972.
From 1972 to 173, he served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Nairobi and later in 1973 to 1980, he was a lectured at University of Zambia.
He later returned to Makere University in 1980 where he rose to the rank of full professor and served as dean, school of education 1982-1989.
From 2002, he pioneered the opening of Gulu University where he served at various capacities.
