NGORA, Uganda — Ngora District and Teso sub-region are in mourning following the death of Stella Apolot Isodo, the incumbent Woman Member of Parliament (MP) for Ngora, who died on Saturday evening at a Kampala hospital after a period of illness, just days after losing her bid for re‑election.
Apolot’s passing has reverberated across her home district, where she was widely respected not only as a political leader but also as a campaigner for women’s rights and community development.
She served as a legislator on the ticket of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), representing Ngora in Parliament since her election in 2021.
Her death was confirmed by family sources, including her husband, Counsel Samuel Isodo, who said she had been unwell for some time and was transferred from Soroti to Kampala for specialised care.
“It’s true, Honourable is dead. She has been unwell recently,” he said, offering his grief and confirming the loss to the public.
A life of service and advocacy
Apolot’s political career was marked by her commitment to advocacy for women and local development. She was a vocal participant in parliamentary debates and worked closely with grassroots organisations in Ngora and the broader Teso sub-region.
Her leadership was characterised by active engagement in gender equality initiatives, community mobilisation, and efforts to strengthen social services.
Teso leaders and residents expressed shock at her passing, remembering her as a dedicated public servant who remained steadfast even while battling illness during her re‑election campaign.
Despite limited physical involvement in campaigning due to health challenges, she secured 11,334 votes, finishing third in a closely contested race won by Josephine Pedun of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) with 17,010 votes.
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“She would not have lost that seat if she were not sick,” said FDC party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, reflecting on her courage and the sympathy her situation drew among voters.
Community tributes and legacy
Colleagues and constituents have paid tribute to her tireless advocacy.
Juliet Agonyo, Soroti city speaker, described the loss as “a sad moment for her family,” noting that Apolot’s death occurred just as her stepbrother’s funeral was underway.
Her role extended beyond electoral politics; she served as spokesperson for the Teso parliamentary group, a position that underscored her influence within regional political circles.
News of Apolot’s death comes amid a wider pattern of prominent Ugandan lawmakers passing away in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges related to healthcare and wellbeing for national figures and ordinary citizens alike.
Details surrounding the exact cause of her illness have not been officially disclosed, and her family is expected to provide further information in due course.
