In a heartbreaking turn of events, a dispute has arisen over the burial arrangements for the late Honorable Lady Justice Stella Arach-Amako, who recently passed away. The clash pits her husband, Idule Amako, against her siblings, who insist that their sister’s dying wish was to be laid to rest in her ancestral home in Nebbi, next to their father’s burial site.
Idule Amako, a former deputy head of mission at the Uganda embassy in Ethiopia, initially notified the Judiciary that he intended to bury his wife at their marital home in Adjumani. However, Arach’s siblings promptly protested, asserting that she had explicitly expressed her desire to be buried in Nebbi.
The family, represented by Christine Onyok (biological sister), Picho Godfrey (brother), Annette Yossa (biological daughter), Amon Jackie (biological daughter), Emmanuel Komakech (biological son), and the Ragem elders, submitted a petition to the Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana. They implored him to overturn the decision to bury Justice Arach-Amako in Adjumani and honor her wishes to be buried in Nebbi alongside their father.
According to the family’s letter dated June 20, 2023, the deceased justice had expressed her desire to her brother, Picho Godfrey, who traveled from Nebbi to visit her at Nakasero Hospital. Furthermore, she had entrusted her sister Christine Onyok, who was attending to her during her hospitalization, to ensure her wish was respected and that she would rest beside their father.
The family also emphasized that their mother, who is still alive, eagerly awaits the arrival of her daughter’s remains to carry out the burial rites in Nebbi, emphasizing the importance of upholding their cultural traditions and honoring their ancestors.
In response to the family’s petition, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, clarified the Judiciary’s position, stating that they are not responsible for determining the burial location. He explained that it is ultimately the family’s decision, and the Judiciary’s role is to facilitate the process. Idule Amako had informed the Judiciary of his intention to bury his late wife in Adjumani, and unless a court order is issued or the family reconvenes and reaches a different decision, the Judiciary will respect the husband’s choice.
The dispute over Justice Stella Arach-Amako’s final resting place has not only created tension between her husband and siblings but also raised concerns about the children’s involvement in the decision-making process. The children contend that they have never been acquainted with Adjumani and lack any connection or property in the area that would enable them to pay their respects to their mother when required.
As the matter unfolds, the hopes of the Arach-Amako family rest on finding a resolution that aligns with the late justice’s wishes while considering the cultural significance and familial ties associated with her ancestral home in Nebbi. Only time will tell whether the parties involved can reach a consensus and ensure a dignified and harmonious burial for their beloved sister, mother, and respected member of the judiciary.
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