Gedion B. Nkojo Atwooki, 84, of McLean, Virginia, United States, passed away on November 19, 2020, at 11:13 pm.
Gedion Nkojo was born in Fort Portal, Uganda, on May 23, 1936 to the late Hosea Byndwa Nkojo and Rhoda Kabapere Akiiki from the Bbagaya Clan in Tooro Kingdom.
Gedion attended Kabarole Primary School and Nyakasura Secondary School. He then travelled to India, where he graduated from the University of Madras (Chennai, India) in 1957.
After graduating from the University of Madras, Gedion returned to Uganda to support the building of the nation and, among several things, taught at Makerere University. In 1965, he was accepted into the master’s degree program at the Center for Development Economics at Williams College in the United States. The program recruits talented young economists from around the world to facilitate the exchange of policy ideas and goals in developing their respective home country national policy. In 1967, Gedion returned to Uganda to work for the Ministry of Finance.
In May 1979, he was named the Governor of the Bank of Uganda and served under two administrations: Yusuf Lule and Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa. His integrity and acumen for international relationships served him well in this role and contributed to restoring Uganda’s reputation overseas. His skill at forming partnerships and collaboration with the international community repaired Uganda’s standing globally after a difficult period. His work with the World Bank, especially in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, demonstrated his commitment to Africa. He met with heads of state and mingled with prominent leaders in the spirit of improving his county. Much of his work is captured in photographs displayed around his home.
Gedion was a giant of his generation. He lived a long and fruitful life as a Ugandan citizen with global influence and was deeply committed to his family and community. He helped found and lead Engabu Za Tooro from 2003 to 2009. During his tenure with the organisation, he established cultural programs recognised by UNESCO and founded scholarships to help educate talented youth in Tooro. These were causes near and dear to his heart. Gedion Nkojo was a student of world affairs and a global citizen eager to pass his knowledge to the next generation
Gideon Nkojo was a devoted husband, dedicated father, proud grandfather, caring brother and committed uncle. He was a respected leader and dear friend to many throughout the world. He loved to exercise; running was his favourite form of exercise and something he continued well into his senior years.
He is survived by his wife Juliet, his five children, Robert, Linda, Rita, Timothy and Rhoda and his four grandchildren, Noemi, Elijah, Kyle and Christopher.
There will be a Funeral Service at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero on Monday 28th February 2022 starting at 9:00am followed by vigil at their ancestral home in Mirongo, Kijura Kabarole District.
Burial will take place at their ancestral home in Mirongo, Kijura Kabarole District on Tuesday 01st March, 2022 starting at 12:00pm.
Informed are: Government representatives, World Bank Community, Bank of Uganda, Toro Kingdom, Relatives, Friends and In-laws.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
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