The burial of the late Eperu in Koloin, Ngora District, erupted into clashes on Saturday between the Katonga and Najjanankumbi factions of FDC, with accusations of ‘body theft’ and exclusion flying between the two sides.
The confrontations escalated, prompting angry mourners to intervene and halt the proceedings, resulting in a heated confrontation.
The final send-off of FDC stalwart Sarah Eperu took a contentious turn as angry mourners disputed over speaking rights, leading the priest to proceed with the burial without speeches from distinguished persons.
Mourners expressed dismay over the exclusion of parliamentary representatives from eulogizing Eperu, with Dr. Besigye denouncing the abrupt end to speeches and the disregard for her legacy.
Dr. Besigye questioned the cause of the exclusion, highlighting that all MPs were on the program. FDC resident Amuriat, however, accused Besigye of trivializing the funeral and claimed responsibility for it on behalf of his group.
Despite the tensions, the Koloin Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Eriau, called for reconciliation and emphasized the importance of forgiveness amidst political strife.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Koloin to bid farewell to Eperu, a political and rights activist who dedicated her life to FDC party mobilization. She was laid to rest at her ancestral home following her demise from renal complications.
