Gone Too Soon: Ocerians Pay Final Tribute to Lapolo Faith Kakonge

This week, the OCJC community joined family and friends in mourning the untimely passing of Lapolo Faith Kakonge, a member of the Senior Four Class of 2025. Faith studied at Ocer from 2022 to 2025 in the Green Stream. During her time at the school, she distinguished herself through leadership and service. In Senior One, she served as Dining Hall Captain, and from Senior One to Senior Three, she was the Green Stream Class Captain. She was also an active and dedicated member of the school's basketball team.

Following the heartbreaking news of her death, a group of 30 students travelled to Kabedopong on Thursday, 16th July 2026, to attend her funeral. The delegation included Faith's former classmates, basketball teammates, and other friends who wished to pay their final respects.

The students left the school at about 10:00 a.m. and arrived in time for the burial ceremony. Although grief weighed heavily on many of them, several volunteered to assist the official ushers in receiving mourners. The Ocerians also honoured Faith by singing a moving tribute. During the final viewing, they led the congregation in song as mourners filed past her body to bid their last farewell.

One of Faith's closest friends, Anena Gabriella Lindsey, composed a heartfelt poem in her memory. The poem was recited during the funeral by Acayo Clarissa before being presented to Faith's family as a lasting tribute.

In the days leading up to the funeral, students organized a collection in support of the bereaved family. They donated bars of soap, sugar, and cash amounting to UGX 172,000 as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.

Faith's passing is a painful loss to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her leadership, commitment to service, and the friendships she nurtured during her years at Ocer. Though her life was cut tragically short, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her classmates, teachers, and the entire Ocerian community.

By Oryema Debrah, S5.