Relentless Public Duty: How Stella Apolot Worked Through Pain Until Her Final Days.

Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo’s final days were defined not only by illness but by an unyielding commitment to public service that saw her push through intense pain to continue serving her constituents.

At her funeral service in Ngora, her attending doctor, Dr. Etolu John Wilson recounted how the Ngora District Woman MP repeatedly placed duty above personal comfort, even as her health steadily declined.

For years, Apolot quietly battled diabetes and other complications that required frequent hospital care. She had previously undergone specialised treatment abroad for liver complications and later returned to Uganda in stable condition. Yet, her underlying illnesses never fully relented.

What stood out most, Dr. Etolu said, “Was her determination to remain active and passionate sportswoman, Apolot continued to participate in sporting events, including representing Uganda at the Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa in 2024, despite medical concerns.

Her resilience was most evident in the days leading to her death. Just before the general elections, she called her doctor in severe pain but insisted on being stabilised so she could vote and honour her scheduled radio programmes.

“She told me, ‘Just remove the pain. The rest we shall handle,’” Dr. Etolu recalled.

Scans later revealed a serious spinal cord problem, alongside complications from long-standing diabetes.

Though her condition briefly improved, it soon deteriorated, and she was referred to Kampala for advanced treatment.

Doctors later confirmed that a severe infection from a diabetic wound and her spinal condition ultimately claimed her life.

Elected in 2021 on the FDC ticket, Apolot is remembered as a leader who served relentlessly, even in suffering, leaving behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice and devotion to the people of Ngora.