By Ceaser Odongo, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese
Shock and disbelief have gripped residents of Otuke District after a 26-year-old man who was presumed dead resurfaced at his ancestral home—six years after his family held a funeral service in his honor.
Mr. Obote Amos, believed by relatives to have died in Sudan in 2020, reappeared on Monday at his family home in Apii Oguru Cell, Barjobi West Ward, Barjobi Town Council. His unexpected return left family members and neighbors stunned.
His mother, Margret Adongo, a widow, said her son dropped out of school due to financial hardship and later became entangled in family misunderstandings. In 2019, fearing for his safety amid tensions with some relatives, Obote reportedly left home and relocated to Lamwo District without informing family members.
Adongo explained that after Obote separated from his wife, the woman returned home and informed the family that he had been killed in Sudan. She allegedly declined to accompany clan leaders to Lamwo District to verify the claims. With no communication from Obote and unable to trace him, the family and clan organized a ritual funeral service and symbolically buried him in an empty grave.
She added that the family now plans to organize special prayers and a cultural cleansing ceremony to formally welcome him back and resolve issues surrounding the symbolic grave that had been prepared.
Obote, however, dismissed claims that he had died, stating that he left home on November 26, 2019, due to hardship and fear of mistreatment. He said he settled in Lamwo District, where he worked operating a hand-walking tractor on a farm belonging to one of the clan leaders. He added that he lost contact with his family during that period.
The LC1 Chairperson of Apii Oguru Cell, Francis Alaja, confirmed that Obote left home in 2019 following family disputes. He urged community members to resolve domestic conflicts amicably to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The dramatic return of Obote has prompted plans for both prayer and traditional cleansing rituals to restore harmony within the family and community. Local leaders say the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and peaceful conflict resolution to avoid misunderstandings that can deeply affect families and communities.
End
Recent Comments