By Prosper Gibolo
Teso sports’ fraternity is mourning the demise of John Raymond Elotu, aged 30, one of the fans who were wounded after the roof of a classroom block with asbestos, which they had climbed on to watch the FUFA Drum return leg between Teso and Lango Provinces collapsed.
The incident happened during the second half of the thrilling encounter played at Uganda Technical College in Lira City on March 30, 2026.
Among those who were injured are; Emmanuel Ouni aged 23, Dan Okello, 20, Sam Ogwal, 24, all residents of Lira City, Michael Emitu, 25, Eliza Ayaka, 27 and John Raymond Elotu, all residents of Soroti.
The victims were on the fateful day rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
John Raymond Elotu, a resident of Ojama village in Katine Sub-county, Soroti District was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor for brain surgery following the advice of the doctors at Lira hospital, unfortunately he passed on April 4, 2026.
Michael Onyinge, the Teso Province Public Relation Officer confirmed Elotu’s demise, describing it as a big loss to the province.
He said that the deceased who hails from Ojama village in Katine Sub-county, Soroti district was part of hundreds of supporters from Teso who travelled to Lira to cheer Teso Province playing against Lango Province.
Onyinge paid tribute to the deceased, emphasising how difficult it’s to express the depth of grief caused by his loss before everyone’s eyes.
“When someone is lost from among us right among everyone’s eyes, it’s very difficult to put it into words”, said Onyinge.
Julius Opolot, the chairperson of Teso Province said that the region is in deep mourning over Elotu’s passing.
He said that Elotu’s demise is not just a loss of a fan, a loss of a brother and son who had Teso province at heart.
Opolot revealed that they have written to FUFA requesting it’s to support the province and family to give the deceased a befitting burial but they have not yet received any feedback.
According to the tentative burial program, John Raymond Elotu will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in a ceremony many describe as an emotional farewell.
