By Diana N. Kintu
Parliament of Uganda on Wednesday afternoon held a special plenary sitting to honour the late Hon. Apolot Stella Isodo, former Woman Member of Parliament for Ngora District, who passed away on Saturday, 17 January 2026, in Kampala after a brief illness. The sitting brought together legislators from across the political spectrum to reflect on her life, service and contribution to the nation.
The session, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, commenced with prayers and the solemn ceremonial transfer of the casket from the Central Lobby into the Chamber. The Uganda National Anthem and the East African Community Anthem were played, setting a sombre tone for the proceedings, after which Members laid wreaths in her honour. A formal motion was then moved to pay tribute to the fallen legislator.
Hon. Apolot was first elected to Parliament in 2021 on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket, representing the women of Ngora District. During her tenure, she served on several key parliamentary committees, including the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; the Committee on Equal Opportunities; and the Committee on the National Economy. Through these assignments, she was recognised for her diligence, technical insight and commitment to advancing the interests of her constituents.
Trained as a professional agriculturalist, Hon. Apolot was widely respected for her practical understanding of agricultural policy and rural livelihoods. Colleagues noted that her contributions to debates were informed by both professional expertise and lived experience from the communities she represented. She was also an active member of the Parliamentary Sports Club, where she participated in netball, further endearing her to colleagues across party lines.
In the most recent general elections, Hon. Apolot sought to retain her parliamentary seat but was constrained by declining health during the campaign period. The seat was ultimately won by Pedun Josephine of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), with Hon. Apolot finishing third. Despite the electoral outcome, lawmakers noted that her commitment to public service remained unwavering until her final days.
Speaker Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige and several Members of Parliament received the casket upon its arrival at Parliament. In her tribute, the Speaker described Hon. Apolot as “a colleague, a sister and a friend,” adding that she was a servant leader who was deeply loved by both her constituents and fellow legislators. The Speaker praised her humility, teamwork and dedication to representing the people of Ngora.
The motion to honour Hon. Apolot was seconded by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and a representative of Independent Members of Parliament. Speakers paid tribute to her advocacy for women’s rights, her role as spokesperson for the Teso Parliamentary Group and her consistent efforts to promote inclusive development in eastern Uganda.
Members also reflected on the broader impact of her passing, noting that she became the seventh Member of the 11th Parliament to die while in office. The House expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to her family, the people of Ngora District, the Forum for Democratic Change fraternity and the nation at large.
Quoting from 2 Samuel 14:14, “For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again,” Speaker Among urged Members to reflect on their own legacies and to serve with purpose, integrity and compassion.
The special sitting concluded with the playing of the national and regional anthems in reverse order, followed by the departure of the casket from the Chamber, marking a solemn end to a session dedicated to honouring a life of service.