ARUA CITY — The family of Yuma Manase Abuku, one of the rival paramount chiefs of the Lugbara Kari cultural institution, has confirmed his death.
Abuku, who was known as the Agofe of the Lugbara people, died on Sunday night at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted.
His daughter confirmed his death, while Elly Ejiku Emo, the Prime Minister of the Manase-led faction, announced a tentative burial programme.
According to Emo, the body will be displayed at the elders' council in Onduparaka on Wednesday before being taken to Aricen Church of Uganda for a night vigil.
On Thursday, a night vigil will be held at the deceased's home, while on Friday, the body will be taken to Adalafu Church of Uganda for another night vigil.
Burial is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his home in Adalafu.
Abuku's death comes amid a leadership dispute within the Lugbara Kari cultural institution, where rival factions have contested the position of paramount chief.
Abuku had served as the substantive paramount chief of the cultural institution until a rival faction recently enthroned Angelo Pati Alia as Agofe, deepening divisions over the institution's leadership.
His death is expected to mark a significant moment for the cultural institution as the community mourns a figure who had been at the centre of its traditional leadership.
Report by Joseph Omagor and Robinson Okwera.
