By James Innocent
Yei River County has been plunged into deep mourning following the deaths of two respected public officials on the same day, an incident that has shocked communities across Greater Yei.
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, alongside senior county authorities, visited the family of the late Faida Raida Hakim, the Deputy Director of Yei Town Payam, who passed away on 11 December 2025 after a prolonged illness. She died at Harvester Health Facility at around 4:00 AM, and her body was later taken to Hai Leben.
Commissioner Taban, accompanied by top county officials, attended the funeral rites and expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the late Faida as a committed public servant whose contributions will be greatly missed.
According to her husband, Emmanuel Kwaje, the late Faida, aged 32, had been battling malaria, typhoid, and ulcers. He said her condition worsened despite earlier treatment at a clinic along the Juba Road before she was referred to Harvester Medical Centre.
“My wife had been struggling with malaria for a long time. Even after several tests and treatments, there was no significant improvement, and she was finally referred to Harvester. Unfortunately, nothing could stop her condition from deteriorating,” Kwaje said.
Kwaje described his wife as a hardworking and devoted government official whose death has left a major gap in the administration of Yei Town Payam.
In a separate blow to the region, veteran local government administrator Apollo Gordon Loboka also passed away on the same day, sending shockwaves through the communities of Central Equatoria State.
According to his granddaughter, Winny Zuru, the late Apollo had been suffering from flu and chest complications before his sudden death.
Zuru said her grandfather had served the government for many years, including being appointed Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County during the 32-state administrative arrangement—an indication of his long and impactful legacy in public service.
“He worked for a long time in Central Equatoria State and leaves behind a great legacy of leadership,” she said.
Local leaders, civil servants, and community members continue to pay tribute to both officials, describing their deaths as a major loss to the Greater Yei region.