Alur Kingdom Consoles Family of Departed Media Manager in Zombo

Alur Kingdom Consoles Family of Departed Media Manager in Zombo 

West, Nile/ The Luo Natives 

By Mike Rwothomio 

The Alur Kingdom joined mourners in deep sorrow and grief on Monday, February 23, 2026, as it paid heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Jacwic Jaberu Ucama, a respected Director of West Nile TV in Arua City, who tragically passed away at the age of 39.

The solemn funeral service, held at Zombo Church of Uganda Town Parish and the adjacent Lower Primary School playground in Zombo District, was marked by profound sadness over the sudden and untimely loss of a young, energetic, and resourceful son, brother, and community leader. 

Herbert died of heart failure on the morning of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Kampala, where his lifeless body was reportedly discovered at their residence.

The shocking circumstances, his mother attempting in vain to wake him from sleep, left the family devastated and elicited widespread emotional outpourings among attendees.

Representing His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III, the Ker Alur (King of Alur), a delegation of Alur Kingdom chiefs, including Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala and Speaker of the Council of Chiefs Rwoth Jepthar Orom Keronega of Padwot Chiefdom, attended to console the bereaved family.

 In a message read on behalf of the King, HRM Ubimu described the late Herbert as a personal friend and calm confidant with whom he shared many discussions.

 He expressed the kingdom's collective mourning " the painful departure of someone so young and promising, who had the potential to achieve much for his family, friends, the greater Alur community, and Uganda as a whole."

" People like Herbert are hard to find in our land," the King's message stated, highlighting the deceased's unwavering support for his mother in all aspects of life. 

The King urged the family, friends, and the entire Alur community to draw strength from the tragedy, allowing Herbert's death to serve as a unifying force while emulating his responsible character. 

He reminded all that "death is part of us," calling for resilience amid the sorrow.

The service was led by a distinguished clergy celebrant Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, who consoled the family by affirming that life is a divine gift from God, the author of life, and encouraged them to find strength in faith. 

Also in attendance were Bishop of Nebbi Anglican Diocese Pons Ozelle Awinjo, Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese Constantine Rupiny, Zombo District Kadhi Abdulaziz Kassim, and their respective delegations.

Hon. Hudda Oleru, Minister of State for Veteran Affairs in the Ministry of Defence, served as Chief Mourner and described the loss as "a big loss to us all," imploring family members and friends to summon courage and unity in their grief.

The late Herbert's mother, Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, the Member of Parliament-elect for Ora County and Advisor to Ubimu on Government Affairs addressed the mourners in an emotionally charged moment. 

Visibly heartbroken, she recounted the devastating discovery: "I went and tried to wake him up on his bed, tried again to wake him up, all in vain." Her words triggered tears and sobs from many in the crowd.

Herbert is survived by his parents, including his father Mr. Ucama Nafthali, the Mayor of Zombo Town Council, and a wide circle of relatives, colleagues, and admirers in the media and Alur community. 

Tributes from across West Nile and beyond have poured in, remembering him as a vibrant, social, and dedicated professional whose sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void.

May the soul of the late Herbert Jacwic Jaberu Ucama rest in eternal peace, and may God grant comfort and solace to his grieving family, the Alur Kingdom, and all who mourn his passing.