The media fraternity in South Sudan is mourning the death of journalist Dennis Morris on Tuesday.
A native of Western Equatoria State, Morris died in Kampala, Uganda, after battling cancer. Late Dennis travelled to India in December 2024 where he was diagnosed with liver cancer.
He returned to Kampala last month and died on Tuesday shortly after being rushed to a health facility.
The President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Patrick Oyet, confirmed the death to Radio Tamazuj. He said the union had been seeking financial support for Morris’s medical treatment, including a planned referral to India.
“Dennis was a committed journalist and a strong supporter of the union. We have lost a great colleague today,” Oyet said.
Morris, who managed SAMA FM in Juba, was widely known for his investigative reporting, particularly on wildlife crimes.
UJOSS Coordinator for Western Equatoria Christopher Gaaniko Ginaba said Morris played a key role in journalism, both at the state and national levels.
“He mentored many young journalists and was always at the forefront of advocating press freedom. His death is a huge loss to the media in South Sudan, especially for us in Western Equatoria,” Ginaba said.
Acting Ymabio FM Station Manager from Western Equatoria Alex Daniel Digi described Morris’s death as a tragedy for journalists across the country.
“The union should focus more on journalists’ welfare, especially in healthcare. Many journalists struggle to afford medical treatment,” Digi said.
Morris’s brother, Justin, told Radio Tamazuj that his health problems began last year when he was diagnosed with Hepatitis B. Doctors later discovered he had a liver condition and spinal cord complications, which worsened despite treatment.