Kampala, (UG):- Dr Tom Okurut, the former Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is dead, DailyExpress can confirm.
“We have just learnt of the untimely passing of Dr Tom Okia Okurut, who was the Executive Director of NEMA from 2011 to 2021. We shall share details in due course,” a post via NEMA’s social media platforms read on Sunday evening.
Dr Okurut passed away on Sunday afternoon at Platinum Hospital, Nakasero, Kampala, according to reports from his close family members.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among eulogised the former NEMA boss as “a dedicated servant of our nation who unfortunately left us after undergoing brain surgery.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
Profile Background
Dr Okurut obtained his postgraduate studies at IHE Delft, the Netherlands after graduating from Makerere University. He was recognised with the IHE Delft Alumni Award 2014 for his outstanding contributions to water management.
He worked as the first executive secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission based in Kisumu, Kenya, before returning home to head NEMA.
In 2011, Dr Okurut joined Nema as ED and served for two five-year non-renewable terms until 1st September 2021 when he handed over office to Dr Akankwasah Barirega, the current Executive Director of the authority.
In his handover report, Dr Okurut said he had left Nema a better organisation than he found it. He noted that he was happy to leave office when all factories were complying with cleaner production mechanisms, which have controlled rampant pollution.
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