George William Epel: Kapelebyong Holds Special Prayers in Honour of Deceased Headteacher

Epel was brutally killed in 2003 by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels while collecting instructional materials for Primary Leaving Examinations.
Eulogies and songs of worship filled the air as leaders, parents, and teachers gathered in Kapelebyong District to honour the late George William Epel, a beloved headteacher and father of Vice President Jessica Alupo.
The memorial mass, held at Akore Acowa Primary School where Epel served as headteacher, was a poignant tribute to his life and legacy.
Epel was brutally killed in 2003 by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels while collecting instructional materials for Primary Leaving Examinations.
His death remains a vivid reminder of the atrocities suffered during the LRA insurgency in the Teso sub-region.
The special prayers, led by Fr. Robert Amoni, parish priest of Amucu Parish, reflected on Epel’s impact as a mentor, role model, and father.
“He was a generous man with a big heart, much like Jesus Christ,” Fr. Amoni said, urging the congregation to emulate his virtues.
Epel’s contributions to Uganda’s education sector were recognised posthumously last year when President Museveni awarded him the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding dedication and innovation in teaching.
The citation highlighted his commitment to high teaching standards, the preparation of exceptional learning materials, and his leadership in fostering inclusive education.
The current headteacher of Akore Acowa Primary School lauded Epel’s legacy, describing him as a team player who excelled in effective communication, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Vice President Alupo expressed gratitude to the Kapelebyong District leadership, clergy, and Akore Acowa administration for honouring her father.
She recounted his tragic death during an ambush by LRA rebels in 2003 but commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for swiftly repelling the insurgents.
Alupo pledged continued support for the school, including the construction of a perimeter fence and hostels as requested by the community.
She also urged locals to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and youth livelihood initiatives to uplift their livelihoods.
“We must ensure our children complete all levels of education, live healthy lives, and are free from violence and harmful social norms. Let us work together to remove barriers hindering their progress,” Alupo said.
She also acknowledged the warm reception accorded to President Museveni during his PDM assessment visit to Kapelebyong, calling on locals to support his leadership in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Jacinta Atuto, Woman MP for Kapelebyong, praised Epel as a blessing to society and urged the community to follow his example.
Anthony Esenu, MP for Kapelebyong County, lamented the decline in academic performance at Akore Acowa Primary School since Epel’s death.
“At the time of his death in 2003, the school registered 18 pupils in 1st grade. Since then, this number has dwindled to fewer than five,” Esenu said, calling on parents and teachers to collaborate in restoring the school’s academic excellence.
In honour of Epel’s contributions, President Museveni has constructed a technical school in Katakwi District bearing his name, a lasting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to education and community well-being.
As the prayers concluded, the congregation reflected on Epel’s enduring legacy, vowing to uphold his values and continue the work he began in shaping Uganda’s future through education.