By Our Reporter 

SOROTI - Soroti City was engulfed in sorrow today as hundreds of mourners from across the Teso sub-region gathered at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for the requiem mass of the late Apio Joan Faith. The young pupil of Jozan Nursery and Primary School tragically lost her life on February 5, 2025, in a brutal act that has sent shockwaves through the community.

The somber atmosphere was palpable, with mourners struggling to hold back tears as they paid their last respects to the innocent soul whose life was cut short. Father Omaria Michael, who led the mass, offered words of encouragement, reminding the grieving family and community that "the Lord we serve is a Lord of reversals." He urged Apio’s mother to find solace in faith and love, to ignore the negativity of those who seek to cause harm, and to continue her personal communication with God.  

"Whatever you are experiencing in life, you will be blessed," he assured the congregation.  

During the service, James Bwane, who was part of the medical examination team, presented the postmortem report. He confirmed that Apio Joan Faith’s cause of death was excessive bleeding due to a deep cut around her neck. Addressing public speculation, he clarified that no body parts were missing, dismissing the distressing rumors that had circulated in the wake of her tragic passing.  

The grief-stricken community also expressed anger and frustration over the circumstances surrounding her death.

The chairman of the burial organizing committee while addressing the congregation revealed that the school owners did not provide any financial assistance for the burial as rumoured by the public. He called for justice and commended the police, led by RPC Damalie Nachuha, for their efforts in the ongoing investigation.  

“There are hidden evils that have now come to light. Justice must be served without delay,” he emphasized.  

Soroti City RCC, Peter Pex Paak, assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals involved in the heinous act will be held accountable. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again in Soroti City.  

Due to the overwhelming turnout, public viewing of the body was not permitted inside the church. Instead, Fr. Hilders Primary School grounds were used to allow the community to bid their farewell before the body was transported to Nakatunya, where hundreds more gathered, and later to Magoro Health Centre III in Katakwi District, where Apio’s mother serves as a midwife.  

Apio Joan Faith will be laid to rest on February 17, 2025, in her ancestral home in Ateuso, Aminito Parish, Akoromit Subcounty, Kapelebyong District.