Yuma Manase Abuku, a paramount chief of the Lugbara Kari cultural institution, has died at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, with burial scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his home in Adalafu.
Known as Agofe, Abuku led one faction of the institution, which has been divided by competing claims to its traditional leadership.
His death was confirmed by his family, while Elly Ejiku Emo, Prime Minister of Abuku’s faction, provided details of the tentative funeral arrangements.
The funeral programme is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 28, with the display of Abuku’s body at the elders’ council in Onduparaka, followed by a night vigil at Aricen Church of Uganda.
A second vigil is planned for Thursday at the family home, before the body is taken to Adalafu Church of Uganda on Friday for an overnight vigil ahead of burial.
The arrangements remain tentative, and the cause of Abuku’s death and his age have not been disclosed.
Before his death, Abuku served as the substantive paramount chief of the Lugbara Kari cultural institution.
A rival faction recently enthroned Angelo Pati Alia as its Agofe, deepening divisions within the institution.
Abuku continued to lead his own faction, with Emo serving as its Prime Minister.
The circumstances surrounding Alia’s enthronement have not been detailed in the available information, and neither faction’s position following Abuku’s death has been established.
His passing raises questions about the future of the institution’s competing leadership claims, but no announcement has been made about how the dispute will proceed.
The immediate focus is on the funeral, scheduled for October 31 in Adalafu, as the community prepares to pay its respects to the late chief.
Any changes to the tentative programme will need confirmation from the family or its representatives.
Meanwhile, the future leadership of the Lugbara Kari cultural institution remains unclear as it confronts the loss of one of its rival Agofe claimants.
