By Philip Buda Ladu
Media fraternity in South Sudan grieves, following demise of a vibrant member, Denis Morris Mimbugbe, Editor and Station Manager of Sama FM, 99.3.
Denis passed away on Tuesday, 4, January 2025 at Mulago Cancer treatment center in Kampala, Uganda, after battling with the sickness since late last year, his workplace has confirmed.
Sadly, the demise came after the media fraternity tried to save his life by contributing some finances to support the family in seeking better medical treatment outside the country but all efforts went in vain.
Sama FM, in a condolence message, signed by Ayaa Irene Lokang, the station’s chairperson, Board of Directors, expressed their profound sadness and deep sorrow for the passing on of their senior staff.
“It is with profound shock and grief that we at Samaritans FM 99.30 Radio have received the sad news of the demise of our Station Manager Denis Morris Mimbugbe who died in Kampala, Uganda on February 4″, 2025, after battling cancer illness,” it stated.
The late served in various capacities at the community radio before his death, steadily climbing the hierarchy of the institution aided by his capabilities, passion and dedication to his job.
Denis joined Sama FM in 2015 as a producer and he was promoted to the position of program manager within the same year. In 2018, he was appointed as station manager of the radio, the position he held until the time of his death.
Meanwhile, in 2024, Sama FM joined the membership of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) and Denis was seconded to represent the radio on the board of AMDISS where he was later elected to the Executive Board of the media advocacy body.
“As we pay tribute to his work within the media sector, we are reminded of his commitment, dedication, courage and the passion for journalism profession and media development in South Sudan” Ayaa stated on behalf of the radio.
She regretted that the passing on of Denis will negatively impact Sama FM.
“The radio like any other community radio in the country endured numerous challenges ranging from inadequate funding, issues associated with registration and renewal of operation/frequency licenses and censorship among others,” Ayaa stated. “Despite the challenges, Denis remained a committed and courageous leader”.
Mrs. Ayaa eulogized the late Denis as an exceptional professional who had a unique way of encouraging his staff to remain committed to their work, adding that his death is a great loss to the radio.
Meanwhile, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) poured its grief and empathy for losing one of their devoted members.
“It is with deep sorrow that the leadership and entire membership of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) mourn the passing of our esteemed colleague, Mr. Denis Morris Mimbugbe, known to his peers as Ustaz Denis,” UJOSS secretary general, Daniel Majak wrote in a condolence message.
The union extended their heartfelt condolences to Denis’ young family, close relatives, and the entire media fraternity.
Majak hails late Denis as a dedicated journalist and educator who served as an editor, a station manager for Sama FM, and a media trainer, investing his time, knowledge, and skills in environmental data and investigative journalism.
“UJOSS received the heartbreaking news of his passing on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM our deepest sympathies go to his wife, who now faces the challenge of raising their daughter alone,” Majak said. “Denis untimely loss has deprived South Sudan’s media fraternity of an invaluable professional.
In honour of its fallen member, UJOSS appealed to all its members to contribute whatever they can to assist the family with the funeral prayers and the repatriation of the late remains from Kampala to Juba and to his final resting place.
The family of the late, has informed mourners in Juba and elsewhere that necessary arrangements are underway to bring his body from Kampala to Juba and eventually be taken for burial at his home town in Western Equatoria State.
Mourners in Juba are urged to gather at the house of Tunga Morris in Rock City neighborhood and at His Lordship Bishop Wilson Kamani, behind the Rock City playing ground.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire media community during this profound time of loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace” Majak added.