KAMPALA – A South Sudanese man is left devastated after his young fiancé tragically lost her life in a road accident while travelling from Uganda to South Sudan last week.
In a social media post, Gatkuoth Gatkeek Biel poured his heart out, sharing his grief, their love story, ambitions and the final moment together in Kampala before girlfriend Nyijal John Chuol left for Juba in that fateful journey 16th July 2025.
Nyijal was bound for Juba that evening to enroll in an internship opportunity as she was nearing the end of her advanced studies in Kampala.
The exact cause of the accident and where it occurred remain unclear.
Gatkuoth, who described himself as writer and digital media strategist, narrated that the couple met at a restaurant at noon to bid each other a tearful farewell. A taxi arrived and she embarked on her journey at 9pm.
“When they boarded the car, shortly after, they left for Juba. I then took a motorcycle to go back home. Throughout the night we chatted through texts, video calls and voice records,” he said.
Through four hours of the journey, the couple kept texting until Nyijal arrived at Gulu, near the South Sudan border, at around 4:20 AM, he said.
She then informed Gatkuoth that her phone was about to go off, and that they would only communicate when they reach Nimule where she’ll charge the phone.
However, at 5:30 AM, Gatkuoth texted and there was no reply. He called and the phone did not go through.
“So, my instincts told me that her phone was now off as she told me. I then recorded a voice message that she should immediately call me back. I waited for a reply for about four hours which I didn’t get.”
It was around midday that he received rumors that the late had been involved in an accident, with the severity undetermined.
Gatkuoth checked his phone and discovered that he had received a missed call from her number. He tried to call back, and the number didn’t go through.
“I called one of her friends who had received information about the incident — but the friend was hesitant that I should first get home before they could tell me what really happened.”
“My heart started aching, and I was getting worried about what exactly happened to her. I told the friend to tell me of the situation, such that I know what to do next, whether to go to the hospital where she’s admitted if she’s still alive, or to check the body if she’s dead.” “I “Then I called another close friend who then disclosed it to me that ‘SHE IS GONE’ while sending me photos to confirm it. It was from here that I knew, Nyarial had indeed gone.”
“Nyijal John Chuol was a very good partner, friend and colleague to me. She shaped my life, she guided me through thick and thin, she loved me wholeheartedly, she cared for me and thought about me always.”
“I found everything I needed in a woman in her; beautiful, caring, loving, kindness, honesty, loyalty, hard work, commitment, determination, and above all respectful. I couldn’t believe that she’s no more, that no one will even fit in her shoes. I have gained enough through and from her, she brought me luck and trust. Whatever thing we used to discuss correlates with our dreams and future directions and plans.”
The couple studied together from Primary 7 in 2014 to Senior 4 in 2018 and Senior 6 in 2021, before they joined the university.
Gatkuoth described the late as the beacon of hope, who was willing to “risk everything for us to succeed in life as a family.”
Social media users took to the comment section to comfort him on the tragic loss, with many encouraging him not to lose hope and carry on.
“My brother, you were born alone, I was born alone, and so was she. Please don’t lose yourself or speak hopelessly. Be strong just like you were when you lost your mother. You held on then, and I believe you can hold on now too,” said Chudier Gatbel.
“I’m deeply sorry for your loss, brother. Reading this moved me to tears. The love you both shared was pure, powerful, and rare. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and the entire family. May the Almighty comfort your heart, and may her soul rest in perfect peace,” said Majur Malith.
Dictor Williams said: “This is truly devastating, my brother. I pray that God grants you strength and comfort during this difficult time. May her loving soul rest in peace.”
