By Our Reporter 

Soroti City was shrouded in grief and solemnity on Thursday morning as hundreds of mourners gathered at Soroti Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church to bid farewell to the late Ngora District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo, who passed away on Saturday, 17 January 2026 at Kampala Hospital after a brief illness.

The service, attended by church leaders, political figures, Members of Parliament, family members, colleagues, and residents from across the Teso Sub-region, turned deeply emotional when Soroti City Woman MP and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart, Hon. Joan Alobo, delivered her tribute.

Alobo struggled to hold back tears as she recalled the personal bond she shared with the fallen legislator.

“Church leaders, brothers and worship team, bereaved family, and everyone here today… let us praise God because He is good, and all the time,” she said, pausing to compose herself, her voice trembling.

Alobo described the late MP as more than a colleague she was a mother figure, a mentor, and a constant source of guidance and love.

“It’s only if you didn’t get close to Stella that you would not know how big her heart was. To many of us, Stella was a mother,” she said, her words breaking through with audible sobs across the congregation.

The Soroti City MP revealed that Stella often treated her like a daughter, reminding her of the shared name she bore with Stella’s own child. Their bond, she said, went beyond political alliances, transcending party lines and parliamentary duties.

“The moment I saw her call, she would ask, ‘Are you coming or not?’ Now, reaching that seat without her is unbearably painful,” Alobo said, as the congregation wept in unison.

Alobo also remembered Stella as a fearless advocate for women and a visionary for agriculture, tirelessly working to push Teso from subsistence to commercial farming.

“She wanted our people to embrace commercial farming. She fought hard for it. I think now, more than ever before, tractors must reach our people in Teso,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Even as Stella’s health declined, her resilience and dedication never wavered. Alobo recounted moments when the late MP attended parliamentary sessions despite her illness, determined to see through initiatives she had started.

“One time we were stranded, and she was not well. But she made sure she was present. If Stella started something, she would not leave it until it was done,” Alobo testified.

Alobo’s tribute turned deeply personal as she reflected on the partnership she shared with Stella in Parliament, coordinating strategies and navigating political challenges together.

“There were times it was not easy. But we agreed as a team. We would watch the eye of the Speaker and coordinate what to put on the table,” she said.

She also paid heartfelt tribute to Stella’s husband, Counsel Mr. Isodo, describing him as a pillar of strength during her illness and political journey.

“Even when Stella was in bed, Mr. Isodo was out campaigning. When she could not stand, he pushed her in a wheelchair. Thank you for loving her,” Alobo said, prompting applause from the congregation.

Alobo acknowledged the late MP’s children and family, noting how Stella drew strength from them and often spoke of them with pride.

“When we were arrested, Stella checked on us. Even when sick, she still fought for others,” Alobo said before breaking down once more, unable to continue for several seconds.

As she concluded, Alobo prayed for comfort for the family, the people of Teso, and all who had been touched by Stella’s life.

“We will miss you, Stella. Rest in eternal peace,” she said, her words hanging heavy in the silence that followed.

Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo, who passed away on 17 January 2026, will be remembered not only as a devoted mother and fearless legislator but also as a resilient servant of the people. Her legacy of love, courage, and dedication will continue to inspire generations in Teso and across Uganda.