Funeral of FDC Leader Eperu Descends into Chaos

The burial of the late Sarah Eperu in Koloin, Ngora District, turned violent on Saturday as factions of the FDC, Katonga, and Najjanankumbi, clashed over allegations of ‘body theft’ and exclusion.

This led to a tense confrontation, causing upset mourners to intervene and halt the proceedings.

The final send-off for FDC stalwart Sarah Eperu became contentious when angry mourners argued over who should speak, prompting the priest to proceed with the burial without speeches from distinguished individuals.

Mourners expressed frustration, stating, “How can visitors speak without the homeowners? We believed the homeowner should welcome the visitor.”

Dr. Besigye, serving as the chief mourner, denounced the sudden end to speeches and the exclusion of parliamentary representatives from honoring the late Eperu. He expressed disbelief over the situation, saying, “I still don’t understand what caused this. All the MPs were on the program, including my brother Amuriat.” However, FDC resident Amuriat accused Besigye of trivializing Eperu’s funeral, claiming, “Besigye has come here to make Sarah’s funeral a mockery.” He further criticized the Katonga faction for mishandling Eperu’s body.

Nonetheless, the Koloin Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Eriau, called for reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness amid political tensions. “Without giving forgiveness a chance, we will not achieve development,” Fr. Eriau stated.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Koloin to bid farewell to Eperu, a political and rights activist who dedicated the last two decades of her life to mobilizing support for the FDC party.

Eperu, who passed away on Sunday due to renal complications at Life Link Hospital in Kampala, was laid to rest on Saturday at her ancestral home in Koloin.