By Our Reporter 

Soroti District – Community and political leaders in Soroti District and the greater Teso sub-region are raising the alarm over increasingly expensive burial practices, warning that such traditions are pushing bereaved families into financial distress and, in some cases, long-term debt.

Bob Owiny, a district councilor and LC5 aspirant for Soroti, has called for greater restraint in funeral planning. He noted that families are often pressured by cultural expectations and burial committees to organize elaborate funerals, including the purchase of costly coffins and the slaughtering of animals to feed mourners.

“Many families are left in debt because of extravagant burials. Some burial committees do not clear debts or settle obligations with clans, leaving grieving families with the financial burden,” Owiny said. He urged the public to embrace modesty and conduct funerals within their means.

Echoing these sentiments, Emmanuel Ocen, an LC3 aspirant for Tubur Sub-county, highlighted the negative impact of cultural expectations, particularly the tradition of serving meat at burials. “Families are struggling financially, yet they are expected to slaughter animals during burials. We need to shift to more affordable practices,” he said.

Religious leaders are also adding their voice to the discussion. Simon Enatu, a catechist at Otole Catholic Church in Otuboi Sub-county, emphasized the role of cultural leadership in addressing the issue. He called on leaders such as the Won Ateker and the Emorimor to establish formal guidelines discouraging costly burial customs, particularly the provision of meat.

“Some families have even lost land trying to meet burial expectations. We need to promote simpler meals like beans, cassava, and sweet potatoes,” Enatu stressed.

Community members note that organizing committees and clan structures often pressure families to provide animals for slaughter, making it difficult for them to choose simpler alternatives. This social expectation, leaders argue, is unsustainable and must be addressed through cultural reforms and community dialogue.