At the farewell ceremony for the late Simon Epila in Owinyo – Boroboro East, a moment of mourning turned into a beacon of hope as Aceng Patricia Ogwang, an aspiring Woman MP for Lira City, captivated the community with her compassion and a stirring call for accountable leadership.

Just days before, Aceng learned of an 11-year-old girl in dire need of surgery for a severe stomach condition. Acting swiftly, she personally covered the costs, ensuring the child’s successful operation on Thursday. Addressing the gathered mourners, Aceng shared that her intervention was not a campaign tactic but a heartfelt response to a national duty. “Saving a life is not about votes—it’s about humanity,” she said, her voice filled with conviction.

The community responded with heartfelt admiration, noting how her actions stood in sharp contrast to leaders who vanish between elections. Aceng seized the opportunity to urge residents to reject such “seasonal” politicians, whose promises bloom only during campaigns. Quoting an African proverb—“when two bulls fight, it is the grass that suffers”—she highlighted how citizens bear the brunt of empty pledges and political rivalries.

With quiet resolve, Aceng emphasized that leadership is proven through consistent, selfless service, not fleeting campaign gestures. “True leaders act without waiting for applause or cameras,” she said. “Our commitment to the people must never take a holiday.”

Her words, laced with humility and urgency, left a lasting impact on Barkwoyo’s mourners. Many praised her as a rare example of leadership grounded in empathy and accountability. As the community laid Simon Epila to rest, Aceng’s act of kindness and her call for civic wisdom planted seeds of hope for a brighter future in Lira City and beyond.

Her presence at the burial was a gentle yet powerful reminder: Uganda’s next leaders must prioritize service, integrity, and real change in the lives of ordinary people.

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Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan