In my youth, I idolized those who changed the world. With time and the cynicism that this world often imparts, I began to scoff at the notion of “changing the world.” Stephen’s passing is a blow that I am struggling to even begin processing. Yet in death just as in life, he is imparting on me his wisdom. In the depths of a global pandemic, a reckoning with race in my own nation, and politics around the globe that seem dedicated to squashing optimism, Stephen is reminding me that one man really can make a difference. One man can, in fact, change the world. That is exactly what Stephen has done. My first meeting with Stephen 15 years ago is an encounter I’ll never forget. My interview with him was the last in my 2-month trip to Uganda as an undergraduate researcher. After dozens of interviews, and with a fair dose of early-20s arrogance, I was beginning to feel a little bit like an expert on the LRA conflict, ready to head home with some pretty clear ideas of how we Americans could help bring relief to the north. Mike and Peter had already sung Stephen’s praises while I was preparing for my trip, so I was thrilled to bounce my ideas off of this budding Ugandan leader. Though perfectly polite through our 2 hours, I couldn’t help but notice a tone of exasperation as he responded to my list of scripted interview questions. After packing away my recording devices for the formal interview, I pressed Stephen on what he really thought foreigners like myself could do to help his nation. “Honestly, the best thing you can all do is leave.” And so began a friendship that forever changed the way I view the world. We immediately bonded over our affinity for radical authors and movement leaders through history, dreaming up revolutions and the impact we could have with our careers. What really had a lasting impact, though, was the joy, thoughtfulness, dignity, and grace Stephen embodied for me in all of our world-changing planning sessions. That trademark warm smile with which he would great you, the calming pause he would take before delivering his responses to questions, his ability to merge deeply serious analysis with lighthearted ribbings in the course of a conversation-- for as much as I respected and revered his philosophizing, what I really appreciated was what he taught me about how to be a human in this work. In my youth, I totally vibed with his rejection of foreign do-gooders. As I’ve grown, though, I’ve come to take that initial wisdom of his rather as an invitation to do real good so long as you’re coming with the sole intention of working alongside others on a human level. And Stephen did change the world. Wars didn’t end as neatly as we envisioned and economic justice has yet to sweep through society, but through his work and friendships Stephen had such an impact across so many corners of the globe. He was a true bearer of international peace for not only his contributions to impactful projects across the world but also for his ability to touch so many lives in the process. He never shied away from the biggest of big problems, yet he always maintained his kindness, humor, and warmth. One of the greatest blessings of my life was the opportunity last year to reconnect with Stephen, meet his beautiful family, and introduce him to my wife and best friend from childhood. Those close to me know the life-altering impact Stephen had on my career and beliefs, so what a joy it was to be able to connect our two families. For all the respect I have harbored for him over the years, I don’t think anything matches my admiration for his role as a husband and father. Irene is the brilliant, ambitious, and loving woman Stephen deserved as a life partner, and as in many other facets in life, he is a role model for what I aspire to be as a supportive and committed husband. And for all the lives that Stephen has touched over the years, absolutely nothing comes close to the smiles he could put on Adeline’s and Nathan’s faces. What a privilege it was to see the decades of wisdom, experience, and resilience Stephen had acquired all focused into the lives of those two beautiful children. For all of his accolades and accomplishments, Stephen saved his best work for his role as a father. I cannot make any sense of why we are robbed of Stephen’s presence in our lives. I cannot come up with any words to lessen the blow of his loss. But I know Stephen changed the world. And with all the impact he made in his time, I know he will continue to change the world with the legacies he leaves.

My Chief, Our days together at university are among my most treasured memories. What I would not give for one more late night conversation or a good laugh shared in good company. Your days were too few, but they were very well lived indeed. And when I become sad in thinking you are gone, I recall of the words of a poet who wrote: "How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" Until then, rest easy my brother. With love, Eric, Faith and Ayla

Stephen, we shall forever remember you. The last time we met, is when you as a family checked in on us in Sironko, Mbale. Irene had been attending a workshop in Resort Hotel Mbale for some days. The little ones were there too with their maid. Stephen returned from Moroto and joined them in Mbale, and that's how we were blessed with their visit. It was warm having you around. We parted looking forward to many more such courtesy visits, little did we know it was the last with your presence. Stephen, May God Almighty rest your soul in eternal peace.