YAMBIO – The body of Namanda Judith, the daughter of renowned South Sudanese musician Joy Enosa Mbaraza and one of the pupils killed in last week’s deadly school bus crash in Uganda, was received in Yambio on Thursday by hundreds of mourners led by Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa.
Judith was among the 20 schoolchildren who died when a bus belonging to King David Junior School crashed while returning from an educational field trip in eastern Uganda. The accident also left several other pupils injured and plunged families in both Uganda and South Sudan into mourning.
The deceased was the daughter of renowned South Sudanese musicians Joy Enosa Mbaraza, popularly known as Sweet J, and Simon Busta.
Governor Rimbasa joined family members, friends, government officials, religious leaders, and members of the public to receive the body and offer condolences to the bereaved family.
Addressing mourners, the governor described Judith’s death as a devastating loss to her family, the state, and the nation.
“We never imagined such a tragedy would happen. We believed she would complete her education, return home, and contribute to her community. Today, we are deeply shocked and saddened by this painful loss,” Rimbasa said.
He extended condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Western Equatoria State to Sweet J, Simon Busta, their family, other South Sudanese families who lost loved ones in the crash, as well as the people and Government of Uganda.
Rimbasa also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and asked God to grant eternal rest to the deceased children while comforting their grieving families.
The arrival of Judith’s body drew large crowds of mourners, reflecting the widespread grief over the tragedy, which has sparked an outpouring of condolences across South Sudan and Uganda.
The fatal crash, involving a King David Junior School bus returning from an educational excursion, claimed the lives of 20 pupils and has been described as one of the deadliest school transport accidents involving South Sudanese children in recent years. Authorities in Uganda continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
