By Our Reporter

What began as a solemn farewell for LGBTQ advocate and human rights defender Joan Amek Eoju Adebo turned tense today as emotional sermons and strong public statements sparked visible division among mourners at her burial in Ajonyi B Parish, Oculoi Sub-county, Dakabela County in Soroti district.

Joan, 30, was the Executive Director of Rella Women’s Foundation, an organization that advocates for a sense of belonging and safe, resilient, and progressive spaces for LGBTQ persons and was also widely recognized as a human rights defender who championed equality and inclusion for marginalized communities.

Born on November 7, 1995, Joan died on February 8, 2026, in a road accident.

Her burial drew hundreds of mourners, including representatives from the Kumam Cultural Institution, church leaders, political figures, NGO representatives, members of the LGBTQ community, and residents.

Prayers were led by Pastor Charles Obwon Aborn, originally from Usuk in Katakwi District and currently serving at Little Flop Church in Luzira, Kirombe, Kampala. Before delivering his sermon, Pastor Obwon stated that he had received full consent from the family, including Joan’s brother Alfred Eoju whom he described as his former schoolmate at Teso College Aloet and a long-time associate to speak openly.

In what he described as a “disclaimer,” the pastor said he was compelled by his faith and brotherhood with the family to address mourners candidly. Quoting from the books of Joel Chapter 3, Leviticus 18:22, and Romans 1:26, he spoke about personal decisions, accountability before God, and divine judgment.

He clarified that Little Flop Church was not affiliated with Rella Women’s Foundation and distanced the church from the organization’s activities, stating that it did not support what he termed “sexual works.” He urged young people in attendance to make decisions aligned with their faith and cautioned families to closely guide their children.

The pastor also stated that individuals would one day give account for how they lived their lives, emphasizing that “there is power in the decisions you take.”

His remarks drew mixed reactions from mourners. While some nodded in agreement and raised their hands in response to prayer calls, others appeared visibly uncomfortable. As the preaching gained momentum, several attendees were seen moving to their vehicles and leaving the venue. Sections of the crowd were observed pointing in the direction of those departing, creating an atmosphere many described as tense and unusual for a burial ceremony.

Pastor Chris Ozuku, a Nigerian missionary working with Little Flop Church in Kampala, also addressed mourners. He said they were present to “defend the word of God” and emphasized adherence to biblical teachings and what he described as a “spiritual order.”

He urged parents to pray for their children and monitor the company they keep. At certain moments during the preaching, parts of the crowd raised their hands as prayers were declared, further heightening emotions at the gathering.

The atmosphere was charged, though no physical confrontations took place.

Family representative and community head Vicent Enomu clarified that Joan died in a road accident and dismissed speculation surrounding her death. He also rejected claims that the deceased had established a foundation that operated in ways contrary to family values.

Enomu emphasized that the family would protect its legacy and cultural heritage.

“We have built this family name through good works and unity. We shall protect it,” he said, adding that the family was not in need of financial support from external sources and had educated and supported its members over the years.

He urged the younger generation to heed the advice of parents and religious leaders.

In line with directives from family elders, only selected immediate family members participated in key burial rites. The deceased’s brothers were instructed to carry the casket. Bangles were reportedly removed from her hands before burial, and access to the gravesite was restricted to immediate family members and designated church representatives.

The funeral program, which began later than scheduled, concluded at approximately 5:40 p.m. when Joan was finally laid to rest.

Many residents described the burial as one of the most unusual in recent memory, marked by strong religious messaging, visible divisions among mourners, and emotional reactions that reflected the broader social debate surrounding LGBTQ issues in the region.

Have an Advert or an Article you want us to publish? Email: tesovibez19@gmail.com or Whatsapp 0772326362