Remembering former IUCN Councillor the Honourable Jesca Eriyo

Jesca served as IUCN Councillor from 2012 to 2021 alongside her role as Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, but her work with IUCN began many years before.

She became Member of Parliament for the Adjumani District in northern Uganda in 2001 and rose to become Uganda’s Minister of State for Environment from 2006 to 2011.

During her time as Minister she led her country’s environmental efforts, represented the Ugandan Government within our Union, and was a great supporter of IUCN’s work in the Eastern and Southern Africa region.

Remembrances of Jesca speak of her warmth, her energy and her dedication to her work. She leaves an extraordinary legacy within the international community and for the people and the environment of Uganda.

We send our sincere condolences to Jesca’s family and friends. Those who knew her are encouraged to post a personal tribute to Jesca below.

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IUCN Condolences

 

Bruno Oberle, Switzerland – IUCN Director General 2021-present

Very sad news indeed. I used to work with Jesca prior to IUCN too. Ahead of the UNFCCC COP in Nairobi  (2006 if I am not mistaken), Switzerland hosted a Ministerial meeting. As Minister of Environment at that time, I facilitated the meeting and took care of the State and group represetatives. Jesca was representing Africa. 

She was full of energy and a brilliant contributor to the negotaitions. I remember we also went to dinner with all the representatives, and I was in a car with Jesca. She kept looking out the window as we drove in Zurich, and asked me whether all of Swziterland looked like this. I remember telling her that, yes it does.

May her soul rest in peace. She will be dearly missed.

Kind regards to all,

Bruno

 

Kristen Walker Painemilla, USA
Chair, IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic & Social Policy (CEESP) 2016-present

This is truly sad news. She was a lovely soul and full of joy. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend time with her in Marseille.
May she rest in peace.

Kristen 

 

Ambassador Masahiko Horie, Japan 
IUCN Council member 2013-2021

Dear family members of Jesca,

I learned with a great sorrow about the passing of my best African friend Jesca.

We always discussed a lot for the best of our planet but also sang and danced with African tunes at the Council meetings of IUCN.

Jesca promised me to meet together and pay a courtesy call on my old friend Prime Minister Rugunda when I visit Campala next time, which is no longer possible now.

I only pray for her soul rest in peace in heaven.

Let me also ask you to stay strong and I wish you all the best in your future.

Ambassador Masahiko Horie
Japanese former Councillor of IUCN

 

Prof Brendan Mackey, Australia
IUCN Council member 2008-2016

I'm very saddened to hear of Jesca's passing. She was a wonderful contributor to our Council's work and could always be relied upon to provide insightful and balanced guidance. Jesca was a woman of great personal integrity who treated everyone with respect and kindness, and was greatly respected by everyone.

With best regards,

Brendan

 

George Greene, Canada
IUCN Council member 2008 - 2016

How sad and so young.  Jessica was a highly accomplished woman who added fresh and probing perspectives to the IUCN Council. I very much  enjoyed serving with her on the Council where she brought well the voice of Eastern Africa.

George Greene
IUCN Councillor 2008 - 2016

 

Jon Paul Rodriguez, Venezuela
Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) 2016-present

I am very sad to read this. I always remember the fantastic Council dinner at the Nyon castle where Norbert and other Swiss local and regional government representatives competed on the best wine (all were great!), and I got to sit at the table with Jesca and hear her sing. One of the songs that she learned in school was called Venezuela, and she sang it many times that day and others. May she rest in peace.

Jon Paul

 

Simon Stuart, UK
Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) 2008-2016

Oh dear, more sad news. I knew that Jesca had been struggling courageously with cancer for several years, and it is really sad to hear that she finally lost the battle. She had a very positive spirit and was not old, and left us much too soon. I join with others in IUCN to express my sorry and send condolences to Jesca’s family.

Best wishes,

Simon

 

John Robinson, USA
IUCN Council member 2012-2021

I very saddened to learn of Jesca's passing.  I served with Jesca for two terms on the IUCN Council, and was always thrilled by her ebullience, good cheer, and joy in living.  She was a good and compassionate colleague, and when I saw her in Marseille, she was thriving.  So I am sad to have to pass along my condolences to you, her family, and sending you all strength in this most difficult of times.

John Robinson

 

Spencer Thomas, Grenada
IUCN Council member 2008-2016

Deepest condolences to the family
Jesca was a wonderful person
May her soul Rest In Peace

Best Regards

Spencer Thomas

 

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE
IUCN Council member 2016-present

Indeed its a sad news on all of us.
Jesca was a very kind and full of warmth feelings towards all... She was a very positive and vibrant soul.
May her soul rest in peace and our deepest condolences to all her beloved ones.

Regards

Shaikha

 

Vivek Menon, India
IUCN Council member 2021-present

That is really sad. Jessca was a valuable person to conservation and a very nice human being. She will be missed. RIP!

Vivek

 

Meena Gupta, India
IUCN Council member 2012-2016

Another death of a Council member I used to know! How very tragic! Jesca was such a vibrant, cheerful and lively person. Too young to die! My deep and sincere condolences.

Meena Gupta

 

Said Damhoureyeh, Jordan
IUCN Council member 2016-present

It's really a very sad news hearing about the passing of our sister, Jessica,  for whomever knew Jessica,  she will be greatly missed,  may her soul rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones.

God bless you all

Prof Said Damhoureyeh

 

Carlos Durigan, Brazil
IUCN Council member 2016-2021

So sorry to hear about Jesca and before about Andrew. My condolences to the families.

Best wishes to you.

Carlos