Shock and sorrow have gripped Uganda following the death of Stella Apolot Isodo, the Ngora District Woman Member of Parliament, who passed away at Kampala Hospital on Saturday. Her death came just two days after the 2026 general election, adding a painful twist to an already difficult political moment for her supporters and family.
Isodo, a senior figure in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit when she succumbed to illness. The news was confirmed by Ngora County MP Juliet Achayo Lodou, triggering an outpouring of grief from lawmakers across party lines and leaders from the Teso sub-region.
The late MP’s final campaign was marked by serious health challenges that limited her physical presence on the campaign trail. Even so, she pressed on with the race, relying on her political machinery and trusted agents to speak to voters on her behalf while she focused on treatment and recovery.
In the tightly watched Ngora District contest, Isodo lost her seat to National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Josephine Pedun. Pedun garnered 17,010 votes, while Isodo finished second with 11,334 votes, a result many within the opposition believe did not reflect her true political strength.
FDC party president Patrick Amuriat disclosed that Isodo had traveled abroad last year for specialized medical care and underwent surgery that was considered successful. She returned to Uganda hopeful and determined, but her condition deteriorated as the campaign period approached, denying her the chance to actively engage voters.
Amuriat and other party leaders maintained that Isodo’s illness played a decisive role in her defeat. They argue that had she been healthy enough to campaign directly, the outcome in Ngora District would likely have been very different.
Beyond elections, Isodo was known for her influential role in Parliament, where she served as the spokesperson of the Teso Parliamentary Group. Colleagues described her as principled, approachable, and deeply committed to the welfare of her constituents, earning respect even among political rivals.
Born on October 25, 1974, Stella Apolot Isodo was 51 years old at the time of her death. As Uganda awaits details of her burial arrangements, her passing leaves behind a legacy of resilience, public service, and a political journey that ended far too soon.
