In a dramatic turn of events, a dispute has arisen between the husband and the in-laws of the late Supreme Court Justice Stella Arach-Amoko over the location of her burial. Idule Amako, the husband of the departed judge and former deputy head of mission at the Uganda embassy in Ethiopia, informed the Judiciary that his wife would be laid to rest at their marital home in Adjumani. However, the siblings of Arach-Amoko have objected, stating that their sister made a dying declaration expressing her wish to be buried at her ancestral home in Nebbi, alongside her father.
The family has lodged a petition with the Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, urging him to overturn the decision to bury Justice Arach-Amoko in Adjumani. They claim that the deceased made her wish known orally while she was hospitalized at Nakasero Hospital prior to her passing on Saturday. The family also highlights that their mother is still alive and eager to receive and bury her daughter in Nebbi.
Moreover, Arach-Amoko’s children argue that they are unfamiliar with Adjumani and lack any connections or property there that would allow them to pay their respects to their mother when required. They insist that their mother’s desire to rest next to her father in Nebbi be honored.
When contacted for comment, Dr. Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary, emphasized that the decision on burial location lies with the family rather than the Judiciary. He clarified that while the husband had notified the Judiciary of his intention to bury his wife in Adjumani, any change in plans would require a court order or a mutual agreement within the family. The Judiciary, he stated, simply facilitates the burial arrangements.
Justice Stella Arach-Amoko had an illustrious legal career, serving in various capacities within the judicial system. She worked at the Attorney General’s chambers from 1979 until 1997, ultimately becoming a commissioner for civil litigation. Appointed as a High Court judge in 1997, she served until 2010. During her tenure, she also held positions at the East African Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal of Uganda. Known for handling several election-related cases, she was among the majority justices who ruled in favor of upholding President Museveni’s victory in the 2021 presidential petition.
Would you like to get published on this Website? You can now email Uganda Times: an Opinion, any breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest, articles, or any interesting videos: [email protected]. Or join the Ugandatimes WhatsApp Group or Telegram Channel for the latest updates
