The High Court in Kampala has made a landmark ruling in the case regarding the burial place of the late former High Court judge, Stella Amoko Arachi. The court has decreed that Justice Amoko shall be laid to rest at her ancestral grounds in Nebbi, upholding the wishes of her children and other family members.
The decision comes in the wake of a dispute between the deceased's husband, Ambassador James Idule Amoko, who sought to have her remains buried at his home in Adjumani, and the late Justice Amoko's children and other relatives, who insisted on honoring her wish to be buried at the ancestral grounds in Nebbi.
Subsequently, the children took the matter to court, petitioning for their mother's will to be respected.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday afternoon, Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka of the Family Division of the High Court sided with the late justice's children, emphasizing the importance of honoring her wishes.
Justice Katunguka stated that it is only fitting to lay Justice Amoko to rest near her late father, Michael Pacho, and her aunt, Julia Angeyo, at their ancestral home at Jukia Hill Ward, Nebbi Municipality.
"The wishes of the late Hon. Lady Justice Stella Arach Amoko, made known to the applicants and the family, including the first respondent, in a meeting held on 18/06/2023 in Kinawataka Mbuya Kampala, clearly indicated that the deceased desired to be buried at Jukiya Hill Ward in Nebbi District. These wishes, encapsulated in her position as a princess in her tribe, hold significant cultural value and must be honored. No justification has been provided for disregarding the deceased's wishes." The judge noted.
Furthermore, Justice Katunguka highlighted the importance of upholding cultural customs even in death, stating,
"The late Justice Stella Arach Amoko is entitled to her culture and has the right to be buried according to the customs and traditions of the Jonam people in the Ragem chiefdom in Nebbi District. As the children of the late Justice Stella Arach Amoko have their home in Nebbi, where they, together with their mother, resided, it is only appropriate that she be buried near or at that location."
Consequently, the judge directed that the remains of Justice Amoko be laid to rest at Jukiya Hill Ward, Juba Village, Nebbi District. The court also instructed the second respondent, the Attorney General, in consultation with the applicants and Ambassador James Idule Amoko, to immediately commence the burial arrangements.
While the ruling allows Ambassador Amoko and his family members to attend the funeral of the late justice freely, the judge emphasized that the burial should not be further delayed. The court's decision brings an end to the legal battle over the final resting place of Justice Amoko, ensuring that her wishes are respected and that she will be laid to rest among her ancestors in Nebbi.
