By Brenda Acen 

Paidha kaal Umua Chiefdom under the Alur Kingdom has called upon subjects to be meticulous about the environment with small, daily actions like reducing waste, conservation of available resources and protecting nature while we practice tree planting.

This was during the burial of Jesse Ukweda who passed away on Saturday 12th September at Mulago national referral hospital.

Hundreds of mourners gathered on Friday 18th September to pay their last respect to the prominent businessman and political advisor Jesse Ukweda in Kaya village, Paidha town council,  Zombo district.

Representative from Umua chiefdom, Prince Robert Oaikani Keruthum mentioned that Jesse was a son whose legacy ought to be honored by caring for our environment by planting trees, protecting our land and striving to leave the world better for the next generation.

Prince  Oaikani noted that Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia II in his tribute message to the late Jesse donated 100 tree seedlings as a living memory of the growth, renewal and hope for future generations and as a reminder of the deceased’s enduring spirit.

“I will personally donate these trees to the bereaved family as a condolence. As we grieve, may we celebrate his life by upholding our cherished cultural values, taking pride in our Alur identity and passing out traditions to the next generations? Our shared heritage remains the bedrock of our unity, dignity and sense of our belonging” the message read.

"We need to prioritize education for our youths and incorporate regular medical checkups in our daily lifestyle as early care saves lives and strengthens our communities" , he added.

In an emotional tribute, greater Nebbi elders forum chairperson Canon Vasco Kura eulogized Jesse as being among the Great Nebbi council and a prominent figure in the development of Paidha as a town council.

Canon  Kura mentioned that death has robbed them of one of their founding members of the Vura pa Jugongu forum dating back to 2014 and contributed 2 royal palm trees to be planted in memory of his tremendous impact.

"These trees will grow as a symbol of his presence in the home so that it can easily be watered by families." Kura noted.

Festo Ocopi Jalar Secretary General of Paidha town council elders development forum eulogized Jesse him as a unifier, peace lover and pivotal figure in the

 "Jesse was the interim chairperson from 2017 till his departure after serving as the chairperson Paidha business community association," Ocopi stated.

Catherine Mavenjina, Member of Parliament for Older persons in Northern Uganda commended the late Jesse's role in the sustainability of the project national strategy for the advancement of rural women, an initiative by the first lady Janet Museveni.

The project supplied beans, groundnuts, cassava growing and cereals for improving their livelihoods. The project survived for 10 years and more funding was disbursed to boost the project whose lifetime was bent on Jesse Ukweda had a keen eye on the survival.

Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny, Ora County Member of Parliament fondly remembered how he referred to him as "cousin" and held onto that title that emulated his loving impartial character for all persons.

Topista Acamfua woman Member of Parliament Zombo district described the impartial and parental love she received from the deceased during the heated NRM primaries 2026.

"The sudden demise of Jesse Ukweda warmly welcomed me as an elder regardless of his own daughter being in a heated race for the position of woman member of Parliament for Zombo district." She said

Ongiertho Emmy Member of Parliament Nebbi municipality and former Jonam constituency mentioned that on showing interest to join politics, the late Jesse positively criticized his humble and laid back character that was contrary to the picture other politicians painted.

Aggrey Odong, chairperson Paidha business community remembered the advice and counsel he attained as a young budding entrepreneur at a time when he took on the mantle as the chairperson.

Bob Oyoma, proprietor of Oyoma general stores rallied all mourners to contribute to the roofing of St. John’s church as an honor of the efforts of Jesse as the chairperson of the construction committee and successfully managed to raise 2,335,000 shs towards the project.

Who was Jesse Okweda

Jesse Okweda, a prominent Businessman, proprietor of Paidha Model Nursery and Primary School and a renowned political strategist, died last week at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

He served as chairperson of Paidha Business community, chairperson Paidha elders forum and a member of the greater Nebbi Elders Forum.

He died at the age 67 and was burried at Kaya in Paidha town council in a ceremony attended by Thousands of people across Uganda and DR Congo.Paidha Chiefdom representatives deliver speechFamily members of the late Jesse Okweda

Greater Nebbi Elders Forum chair Canon Kura Vasco made speech

Paidha Model Nursery and Primary School staff

The Late Jesse Okweda ( R.I.P)

Brenda Acen is a contributor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African News trends and updates.