Hundreds bid farewell to Teso veteran radio presenter

Hundreds of mourners on Sunday flocked Abari village in Katine sub-county Soroti district for the burial of Robert Ayabu a talk show host at Soroti Catholic Diocese owned radio Delta 97.0 F.M.

The late was popularly known by his studio trade mark as DJ.

Ayabu took his last breath on Friday morning last week at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital where he had been admitted for close to a month at the age of 45.

According to the medical report, the late succumbed to cancer of the liver.

Ayabu's casket which was sophisticated and brown in color was lowered at exactly 4:00 pm amidst the wailing and weeping of hundreds of mourners.

Everyone struggled to get a glimpse of their hero in the grave because it was too hard to accept that someone that talented could leave so soon.

The deceased has left behind a window with five children with the youngest being 3-years-old.

Several mourners described him as a hardworking man who executed his duties with love and passion and also struggled for the betterment of his family and the community.

According to the woman MP Serere district, Hellen Adoa Abeku the Ayabu was a principled man who never accepted lies.

"Ayabu (Dj Roberti Kabari) whom we are sending off this afternoon has been an advocate of good governance in Teso and Uganda as a whole", stated Adoa.    

The deceased's children led by Scovia Acen described their fallen father as a super role model who encouraged team work at home.

"Our father was our hero for the very reasons I asked him not to be and he will remain my hero because he stayed true to who he was" said Acen

Julius Esegu, the president Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda said the former presenter was a friendly man who made it possible for everyone who met him to feel comfortable.

"The death of Ayabu is a big blow to the media fraternity of Teso and Uganda" Esegu said.

Kenneth Esiang Eitunganan, the MP for Soroti county and close friend to  Ayabu said he was such a hospital man who shall be missed forever by his close allies and family members.

Betty Acen now widowed said for the last 25 years they have been together as a couple, the late demonstrated high a notch of financial trustworthiness which has made them succeed.

Rev. Fr. Robert Ecogu, the parish priest Ngora Catholic Mission who also doubles as the coordinator Soroti Social Communications Commission (SOCCOM) urged  fellow journalists to emulate the life of Kabari.

He further praised the late for serving the country with honesty.