By KT Reporter
Bishop Mathew Omagor of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Soroti, has called on believers to exercise caution in their speech during periods of grief, saying that falsehoods and misinformation can tarnish reputations even after death.
Preaching at the funeral service of Ngora Woman MP Stella Isodo Apolot, at PAG Church Soroti City, Bishop Omagor cited the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection in John 11, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and contemporary human experiences surrounding death.
“When death strikes, people will talk, just as Martha and Mary did when Lazarus died,” he said. “Some speak constructively, others destructively. But whatever you say, let it build, not destroy.”
He warned mourners against the temptation to spread unverified information and false narratives, particularly in times of sorrow. “There is freedom of speech, but exercise caution; let your words build, not destroy,” he said. “The Bible teaches that life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
Quoting Matthew 12:35–37, he reminded the congregation that everyone will be held accountable for careless words spoken. He encouraged believers to approach discussions about the deceased with restraint, empathy, and righteousness.
Bishop Omagor acknowledged that despair is a natural response to death but emphasized the need for unwavering hope in Christ.”When death strikes, people despair, as Martha lamented about her brother’s death,” he said. “However, Psalm 146 : 5 says ‘Blessed is he whose hope is in the Lord his God’. Let us gather our broken pieces and still have hope in the Lord.”
He stressed that death is not the finality for believers but rather a temporary separation, recalling how Jesus restored Lazarus to life and comforted Martha and Mary—an assurance that His presence continues to restore today.
Serere Grade One Magistrate Edmond Okiror Okwi, echoed the Bishop’s message and encouraged mourners to embrace grief with faith rather than confusion or bitterness. “Grief is biblical; even Jesus wept, in John 11:35. We are right to weep, but let our mourning be filled with hope, not despair. The grave is not the end; it is merely a temporary separation.”
Okiror urged the mourners to support the bereaved family with love, unity, and compassion, emphasizing the importance of comforting those in grief rather than adding to their pain. “Mourning is an experience of faith,” he added.
Samuel Isodo, the husband of the late MP, expressed gratitude to those who supported the family during their difficult time. “There are three major ways to learn about something: you can be told, you can watch, or you can experience it. This pain we are going through needs to be experienced,” he said.
He introduced their three children: Johan, a final-year medical student at the University of Nairobi; Arnold, a third-year law student at Makerere University; and Alan Bill, pursuing civil engineering.He thanked mourners for their prayers and support.
Samuel Isodo also mentioned that the post-mortem report was still being processed and would be shared later.
Sarah Adongo, the deceased’s sister-in-law, delivered Apolot’s biography highlighting her determination, discipline, and service. Born on October 25, 1975, and called to glory on January 17, 2026, Stella Isodo was the daughter of Edison Atadan, and Perepetwa Among The fourth of six siblings, she married Samuel Isodo on June 12, 1999.
Adongo noted her resilience, detailing her educational journey from Serere Primary School to Ngora High School, earning a certificate and diploma in agriculture from Arapai Agricultural College, a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension from Makerere University, and a Master’s degree in Agriculture.
Before entering politics, she served in various development organizations, including Vision Terudo, Self Help International, Concern Worldwide, and Kawanda Research Station.
At the time of her passing, she was the Woman MP for Ngora District. “She was a blessing to her family, her church, her community, and Uganda at large,” Adongo reflected.
Bishop Omagor concluded his message by saying that “Jesus is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him shall never die.”
Stella Isodo Apolot will be laid to rest in her ancestral home in Osigida Village, Ngora District, on Saturday.
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