Morobo County Mourns Head Chief Joseph Jama

(MOROBO COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Morobo County, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, on Sunday joined mourners in the Ugandan border town of Busia following the death of the Head Chief of Panyume Payam, the late Joseph Jama Nyoko.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Paramount Chief of Morobo County, Naftali Yakani, and other county officials to stand with the bereaved family and the people of Panyume.

Family members said Chief Jama died at his home in Busia at about 5pm on Saturday 14 February 2026. Relatives said he had been suffering from a prolonged abdominal illness. He had recently returned from Arua after seeking treatment in several hospitals within South Sudan and neighbouring countries. His condition worsened in recent days.

Speaking after receiving the news, Paramount Chief Yakani described the late head chief as a strong pillar within the traditional leadership structure of Morobo County. He said Chief Jama contributed to strengthening local authority systems in the period after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and remained committed to serving his community until his death.

Addressing mourners, Commissioner Bullen expressed sorrow over the loss, describing Chief Jama as an important local leader whose absence will be felt across Panyume and Morobo County.

“The county has lost a dedicated and courageous leader,” he said. “Chief Jama stood with his community during difficult times. He played a key role in facilitating my access to Panyume after my appointment as Commissioner. It will not be easy for Panyume and Morobo to replace such leadership.”

The late Chief Joseph Jama Nyoko was laid to rest on Monday 17 February at his ancestral home in Yaribe Boma.