Kapelebyong District was engulfed in sorrow and anger as mourners gathered to bid farewell to six-year-old Opio, whose tragic and untimely death has sent shockwaves across the region.
The funeral, held on February 17, 2025, was not just a moment of mourning but also a call for justice, as senior government and military officials joined the bereaved family in paying their last respects.
Among those present were Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Dr. Clement Ongalo Obote, the State Minister for Teso Affairs, and Helen Adoa, the Minister of State for Fisheries.
Their presence underscored the gravity of the tragedy and the need for urgent action to protect vulnerable children.
The funeral was also attended by cultural leaders, including the Iteso Paramount Chief, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, as well as local leaders and members of the community.
Opio’s murder has left deep wounds in the hearts of the people of Kapelebyong and beyond.
His parents, overwhelmed with grief, struggled to come to terms with the brutal loss of their beloved girl.
Her mother, unable to contain her anguish, wept uncontrollably as she described Opio as a “joyful and loving child whose life was stolen too soon.”
According to preliminary reports, Opio was found dead under mysterious circumstances, sparking fears that his death may have been linked to ritual practices or revenge killings.
Authorities are still piecing together the events that led to his murder, with some residents pointing fingers at individuals suspected of foul play.
During the funeral, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding delivered a strong message of condolence and assurance.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us, and I want to assure the family and the people of Kapelebyong that justice will be served.
We cannot allow criminals to terrorize our communities and take innocent lives,” he stated. Dr. Clement Ongalo Obote, the State Minister for Teso Affairs, echoed similar sentiments, urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“We have lost a young soul due to evil acts. As leaders, we will ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. We also call upon parents to work closely with law enforcement to safeguard our children,” he said. Helen Adoa, the Fisheries Minister, was visibly shaken by the tragedy. She condemned the increasing cases of violence against children and called for stricter laws to curb such incidents. “This is unacceptable. We must act now to protect our children from harm. I will personally engage with my colleagues in government to ensure that necessary policies are put in place to prevent such cases,” she vowed.
Mourners at the funeral expressed their frustration over the slow pace of investigations into the murder. Many demanded immediate action from security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Iteso Paramount Chief, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, emphasized the need for unity and cooperation in fighting crime.
“We cannot sit back and watch our children die. This tragedy should be a wake-up call for all of us to stand together and protect our people,” he urged.
Police sources revealed that several suspects had been questioned in connection to Opio’s death, and investigators were following critical leads to establish the motive behind the murder.
The district leadership called for calm, assuring the community that law enforcement agencies were working tirelessly to uncover the truth.
Beyond the grief and anger, the people of Kapelebyong left the funeral with a renewed sense of determination to fight against violence targeting children.
Calls for stronger child protection measures have grown louder, with demands for improved security in schools and villages. Opio’s tragic demise has not only highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by children in Uganda but also the urgent need for collective action to ensure their safety.
His story will not be forgotten, and as investigations continue, the community remains hopeful that justice will prevail.
For now, as the small coffin of six-year-old Opio is lowered into the ground, the echoes of wails and prayers fill the air—a painful reminder of a young life lost too soon, and a community’s unwavering demand for truth and justice.
