Ouma Alex P'Okello
Oh, Julius, it’s hard to believe you’re gone.
Today, Saturday, June 6, 2026, you will be laid to rest. From thousands of miles away, I won’t be able to stand with our family to pay my final respects or say goodbye in person. I can imagine the pain that our family and all the lives you’ve touched must be feeling as they prepare to bid you farewell, knowing they will never see you again in this life.
When I first heard the news of your passing, I was at a loss for words. It felt unreal, shocking, and devastating. Strangely enough, on that day, I had this nagging feeling deep inside me that something wasn’t right. I can’t explain it, but it was almost as if I knew bad news was on the way. I just didnt know the bad news was your death. And when it came, it confirmed the fears I had tried to ignore.
Julius wasn’t just my cousin; he was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met.
In all the years I knew him, I never once witnessed him lose his temper or treat anyone with disrespect. He was human, of course, and I’m sure he had his moments of frustration or disappointment. But what made Julius different was how he carried himself. He had this incredible ability to stay calm, communicate his feelings without stirring up conflict, and approach life with such patience and understanding. And that smile! His jokes! His laughter was so infectious.
Those qualities are what I will miss most about him. As a younger brother, I looked up to him, as did many others. I admired him so much that I wanted to attend St. Lawrence Citizen High School just like he did. Although life didn’t play out that way, my admiration for him never faded.
When Julius went on to study journalism at Makerere University, he inspired me to dream of the same path. I loved writing, but it was his example that made that dream feel achievable. Even though I didn’t formally study journalism, I always felt that with his guidance, I could still chase that passion. He would say, you don’t need to study journalism to become one.
Julius took the time to encourage me. He read my articles, edited my work, and patiently taught me the principles of good journalism. He showed me how to structure a piece, develop strong opinions, and write with purpose. Some of my articles even made it into the New Vision and Daily Monitor newspapers in Uganda because of his support. I’ll always be grateful for that.
To me, Julius was always the true “Journalist of the Year.” Not because of any awards he received, but because he inspired me and those around him, to believe in the power of words. Good journalism isn’t about the accolades; it’s about seeking the truth every day. It’s about serving the public interest, being ethical, and giving a voice to the voiceless. He embodied all of that.
I remember how passionately he spoke about quality journalism. He often criticized flashy headlines that lacked substance. He believed writing should not just grab attention but also provide real value. That dedication to excellence reflected who he was: sincere, thoughtful, persistent, fearless, and authentic.
More than being a great journalist, it was his character that truly made him a remarkable person. Julius was humble and modest. He seemed more concerned with the happiness of others than his own comfort. Even when he had little, he was willing to share. Even during tough times, he made time to care for those around him.
As the firstborn in his family, Julius held his siblings together. He paid tuition for some of his siblings, guided them, and supported them in becoming responsible adults. This is a true testament to someone who prioritized others above himself.
Today, as we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life he lived with compassion, generosity, humility, and dignity.
Julius, thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for inspiring me.
Thank you for the lessons, the conversations, the laughter, and the memories.
Though your journey here has ended, your impact will live on within us.
We will miss you so much, but we will never forget you.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Farewell, my brother. Farewell, Journalist of the Year
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