Lugbara Cultural Institution mourns gender minister Susan Ezatia
Ezatia, who was also a member of the lands committee of St Philip's Church of Uganda in Arua city, was widely celebrated for her commitment to preserving Lugbara culture, promoting family values and mentoring young people across the region.
The late Mama Susan Ezatia, the institution’s Minister for Gender and Culture. (Photo by John Paul Opio)
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The Lugbara Cultural Institution (Lugbara Kari) and the West Nile community are mourning the death of Susan Ezatia, the institution's minister for gender and culture, who passed away on July 15, 2026, after a short illness.
Ezatia, who was also a member of the lands committee of St Philip's Church of Uganda in Arua city, was widely celebrated for her commitment to preserving Lugbara culture, promoting family values and mentoring young people across the region.
Her death came as a shock to many, especially after what has now become her final public appearance. On July 13, she featured on Vision Group's 88.7 Arua One FM's Eyo Ciri programme, where she shared insights on traditional Lugbara marriage and courtship, urging communities to preserve cultural values while embracing positive social change.
Throughout the programme, Ezatia spoke passionately about indigenous childcare practices, traditional marriage customs and the role of elders in safeguarding the cultural identity of the Lugbara people.
Her nephew, Isaac Andama, confirmed the death, saying the family rushed her to Family Care Hospital after she suddenly collapsed at her home on Wednesday morning.
According to Andama, Ezatia had appeared healthy in the days leading up to her death.
He added that the family is preparing to receive her body as relatives gather to plan the burial programme, which will take place on Saturday.
Tributes have continued to pour in from leaders, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public, who described Ezatia as a pillar of the Lugbara Cultural Institution.
Arua city deputy speaker Gift Magyezi said the deceased dedicated her life to mentoring young people and ensuring that the rich traditions of the Lugbara community were passed on to future generations.
"She inspired many of us to appreciate and preserve our culture. She was always available to guide young people whenever they sought knowledge about our traditions. Her death is a great loss not only to Lugbara Kari but to the entire West Nile region," Magyezi said.
Judith Drate, the senior community development officer for Arua city, hailed the deceased for advocating for women's rights and helping the city draft a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Ordinance, which is already being implemented.
"With the help of SIHA Network, they seek her opinion in rebuking some Lugbara cultural practices that have ruined the rights of the women in Lugbara," Judith said.
A lifetime dedicated to culture
For many years, Ezatia became one of the most recognisable cultural educators in West Nile through regular appearances on radio talk shows, community dialogues, church events and cultural functions.
Her calm but authoritative voice earned her respect among elders and young people alike, making her one of the region's leading female cultural ambassadors.
As minister for gender and culture at Lugbara Kari, she championed the documentation and promotion of indigenous knowledge while encouraging communities to uphold positive cultural practices that strengthen families and social cohesion.
Background
The Lugbara Cultural Institution (Lugbara Kari) is the recognised cultural institution representing the Lugbara people, who predominantly live in Arua, Maracha, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Yumbe and parts of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The institution plays a central role in promoting cultural heritage, traditional leadership, conflict resolution and the preservation of the Lugbara language and customs.
Within the institution, the Ministry of Gender and Culture is responsible for promoting cultural values related to family life, women, children and traditional practices, while advising on matters affecting social cohesion within the community.
Ezatia's death comes at a time when cultural institutions across Uganda continue to encourage younger generations to embrace their heritage amid growing urbanisation and changing social lifestyles.
The family said burial will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The official cause of death will be communicated after the postmortem examination and consultations with relatives.