In Memory of Stephen Kaduuli
It is with profound sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of Stephen Kaduuli, CPJ's refugee rights policy analyst, on April 15, 2021.
Stephen was an invaluable member of our CPJ family. As our first full-time Refugee Rights Policy Analyst, Stephen brought a depth of compassion, insight, and expertise to cultivating our policy research and advocacy.
Stephen leveraged his background as a social worker and demographer to bring together a passion for data and for people, grounded in his experiences working with displaced persons in his home country of Uganda. He was passionate in his commitment to justice. He built strong collaborative networks, where he will be missed greatly.
Here at CPJ, we will miss his broad smile and deep chuckle. We will miss going out for shawarma together. We will miss the understated and thoughtful way in which he shared his perspectives.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support in the wake of Stephen’s passing. Below is a list of ways you can support Stephen’s family and CPJ at this time:
- Stephen’s family is raising funds to pay for travel to Uganda where they will be laying his body to rest. You can send an e-transfer directly (no password required) to Stephen’s brother-in-law, Patrick Kimumwe, at moc.oohay@umikap.
- Whether you live in Toronto or elsewhere, there are a few ways you can help provide meals, groceries and care packages. Please contact Natalie Appleyard for more information.
- CPJ, along with Stephen’s family, wish to honour his dedication and passion for refugee rights by establishing a permanent fund to help enhance and deepen CPJ’s refugee work. You can find more information here.
We invite you to share your condolences and remembrances of Stephen in our guest book below. These will also be shared with Stephen's family.
Ntwatwa Dickson
Uganda
Posted onSaturday, May 22, 2021
May your soul rest in our hearts and live forever
Maxine Both
Montreal, Quebec
Posted onMonday, May 17, 2021
I only recently learned of Stephen's passing and I was very sad and shocked to hear this news. I interviewed Stephen last spring as part of my Master's thesis research, and he immediately brought forth such a joy and passion for his work and a deep caring for those around him. He exemplified the ability of Canadians to create a welcoming home for others, irrespective of immigration status. I know he is leaving a legacy which I hope others can draw inspiration from.
I am certain he will be remembered for his inspiring activism, open heart, and thoughtful written analysis. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Sarah Guinta
Hamilton
Posted onMonday, May 17, 2021
I was fortunate to work with Stephen at the Diocese of Hamilton. He was a dedicated member of the Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement team. He was such a pleasant person to be around. Someone you wanted to listen to and learn from. He used his gifts to help others and brought so much light to his community and those in his presence.
His light still shines.
Mariah Swit
Germany
Posted onMonday, May 3, 2021
Stephen was kind to description u will be missed
Joanita Nandawula
Juba, South Sudan
Posted onMonday, May 3, 2021
my sincere and heartfelt condolences to my dearest friend Stella and the rest of the family. may the good Lord comfort you on this trying moment. Dad was such a loving person. he is surely resting in heaven with the angels.
Gidudu Andrew
Uganda
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
RIP Dear Stephen. You will be dearly missed. Special prayers towards your dearest family. We pray for God's comfort and strenght throught this trying time. RIP my brother in Law.
Sandra Kaduuli
Toronto, Canada
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
This is a time that no words can express what is really felt by myself and family plus friends.
Daddy, was the most awesome person known and my heart feels so torn, broken and stretched but i am heavily missing him, so is Mum and my siblings.
Thank you so much CPJ staff, we greatly appreciate each and everyone of you for standing with us in this difficult time.
Daddy ,i pray for you to rest handsomely in Heaven and may your legacy live on.
Love,
Sandra
Joy Namulesa
Uganda
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
It is with profound shock that I Leary of Stevens passing but I believe he is in a better place with his Lord. R I P
Mabel Fuyana
Edmonton Alberta
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
To Mrs Kaduuli and the children. My name is Mabel Fuyana and I am Jane Ndungu.
Heartfelt Condolences on the untimely passing of your dear husband and father.
Thank you for sharing cherished memories of a rich and blessed life you shared with this remarkable man who was a selfless and true Servant of the Lord. May those sweet memories and love you shared with him comfort and strengthen you through Him who is the true and only Healer and Saviour Lord Jesus Christ. Rip Steve.
Mabel
Kalungi Kabuye
Kampala, Uganda
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
It's really, really sad to learn about Stephen's death. He was a very jolly person, who never judged others. Always had a smile on his face. Will really miss him - Kalungi
Barbra Barasa
Toronto
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
Sincere condolences to the family. My prayers are with you. May God give you the grace to battle such a difficult time. May he RIP.
Ashraf Yusuf
Uganda kampala
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
Sending the family of the late hugs and love during this trying time.may the lord take you through
Thankful for his life and the course he has laid on others
Waiswa Kafuko
Kamuli
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
2 Timothy 4:6-8. I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.
Gloria Geria
Kampala
Posted onSaturday, May 1, 2021
Stephen was a good man. It is heartbreaking to accept that he is gone! We pray for Susan, the children and all his close family members and friends. RIP.
Jane Ndungu
Toronto
Posted onFriday, April 30, 2021
I was greatly saddened to hear of Steve's sudden passing. The last 2 weeks have been rough and I cannot even begin to imagine what his family is going through. Steve was a dear friend of mine and my family's. I will remember Steve for his wit, and zest for life, always ready to celebrate/share life's milestones. He was also a dedicated public servant with a deep sense of duty, and passion for social justice. To Steve's family, I pray that the Lord continues to comfort you during this difficult time. To Steve, Rest in peace dear friend, and may your memory be a blessing to your family, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives you touched!
Karri Munn-Venn
Posted onFriday, April 30, 2021
Dear Stephen, my friend, I still can't quite believe you are gone. I am grateful for the time we had working together, and so very sad that that time was cut short. Thank you for your kindness, your conviction, and your dedication to CPJ and to refugee rights. Thanks too for your thoughtfulness and sense of humour. I wish I had known that you were a scrabble player... it would have been nice to play a round or two. To Susan, Sandra, Stella, Samantha, and Jonathan, my heart aches for you all as you navigate this sudden loss. It is my hope that you will find comfort and peace in our Creator, and in the community (from all over the world) that is standing with you now. If ever there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to reach out. May he rest in peace and in power.
Nancy Harvey
Brantford, Ontario
Posted onTuesday, April 27, 2021
My sincere condolences on your tragic loss.
Prayers,
Nancy Harvey
Co-Chair of the Creation Matters working group of the Anglican Church of Canada
Marian Lucas-Jefferies
Public Landing
Posted onTuesday, April 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. Keeping CPJ and the family in my prayers. The Rev. Marian Lucas-Jefferies, Diocesan Environment Network, Anglican Diocese of NS & PEI.
Michelle Singh
Toronto
Posted onMonday, April 26, 2021
On behalf of Faith & the Common Good, I extend my deepest condolences to Stephen's family and his CPJ family. His commitment to refugees was inspiring. May Stephen rest in peace and power.
Ryan Weston
Toronto
Posted onMonday, April 26, 2021
I am very grateful to have come to know Stephen and to learn from his wisdom and experience. He was a gracious and generous man, and he will be greatly missed.
Jacqueline Romero
Posted onFriday, April 23, 2021
My deepest condolences go out to Stephen's family. Stephen was a wonderful soul and I will always remember his passion for refugee advocacy, for being a thoughtful mentor, and his warm and caring smile.
Robert Lutaaya
Milton
Posted onFriday, April 23, 2021
We will miss your insightful discussions. Till we meet again. Rest In Peace, Stephen
Latifah Madoi
United Kingdom
Posted onFriday, April 23, 2021
It is really sad,to you loss you Mr kaduli,may your soul rest in peace and strengthen your family ameen
Mariah Swit
Germany
Posted onThursday, April 22, 2021
RIP dearest Stephen, may the good lord strengthen my sister Sue ,Jonathan & the girls
Frances Deverell
Nanaimo
Posted onThursday, April 22, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss of such an important and beloved colleague. My heart is with the CPJ community today.