By KT Reporter
West Nile’s press and media fraternity are engulfed in grief following the sudden deaths of two journalists within two days. Emmanuel Mawa, a former Radio Pacis Communication Secretary for Vurra Catholic Parish, collapsed and died on the spot on Wednesday at his compound. At the time of his passing, Mawa was a reporter based in Arua District for Access FM in Arua City, having previously served for over five years as Communication Secretary under the Arua Diocese Media Center.
The cause of his sudden death remains unclear. Mawa was laid to rest on Friday afternoon at his ancestral home in Ajono Parish, Vurra Sub-County, Arua District. As mourners gathered to bury Mawa, the media fraternity was struck by another tragic loss. Martin Bileni, Chief News Editor of Voice of Madi FM, died in a road accident on Friday. Bileni was being rushed to Rhino Camp Health Center IV following a head-on collision with a boda boda rider carrying a passenger in Ogoko Sub-County, Madi Okollo District, around 1 PM.
Eyewitnesses and colleagues at Voice of Madi FM reported that Bileni had set off from the radio station to travel to Arua City on his motorcycle when he collided with the oncoming boda boda rider, reportedly traveling at high speed. Bileni sustained a head injury resulting in excessive bleeding, while the other rider suffered four compound fractures along with injuries to his forehead, neck, and arms. The passenger also sustained severe injuries and fractures.
All three were rushed to Rhino Camp HC IV, but Bileni succumbed to his injuries upon arrival, while the other two remain in critical condition. Bileni’s body was transported on Friday evening to his home in Mvara, Arua City, where mourners have gathered as burial arrangements are made. Bileni had worked for over five years as News Editor at Voice of Life FM in Arua City before serving as Communication Secretary for Madi West Nile Diocese.
After a two-year hiatus for further studies in Kampala, he returned for a five-month internship at Arua One FM of the Vision Group and later joined Voice of Madi FM as Chief News Editor a year ago. Reports indicate that he had recently applied for the position of Communications Officer at Madi Okollo District Local Government.
The deaths of the two journalists have cast a somber mood across West Nile and beyond. Clement Aluma, Chairman of the West Nile Press Association (WENPA), described the losses as deeply painful, noting that they occurred at a time when the journalists were needed most. Aluma also urged all road users, especially motorcyclists, to observe traffic rules to protect their own lives and those of others.
Marko Taibo, a freelance journalist from Adjumani District and close friend of the deceased, emphasized that the media fraternity should emulate the legacy of hard work and resilience exhibited by Mawa and Bileni throughout their lives.
Peace Victoria Eyotaru, a reporter with UBC West Nile FM, expressed shock, adding that the wounds left by the demise of these young journalists will continue to cause pain for their colleagues. Tabu Butagira, senior journalist and founder member of WENPA, wrote on the association’s media platform:
“Two of us suddenly transitioning to eternity just days apart is a testament to how fragile and transient our lives are. May our departed ancestors receive them into their warm embrace with pride for their righteous earthly deeds.” Similarly, David Rupiny, a senior member of WENPA, extended his condolences to the families of Mawa and Bileni and the West Nile media fraternity.
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