A wave of profound grief has descended upon Mukono, as the community mourns the tragic loss of Ivan Oloya, a dedicated history teacher whose life was brutally extinguished.
His family, now shattered, urgently demands justice. The circumstances surrounding his death have left them reeling, and disturbingly, five suspects, including a minor, are now in police custody.
The chilling question remains: what was the motive behind this senseless act?
Echoes of Loss Fill the Church
St. Paul Catholic Church in Mukono Municipality overflowed with mourners.
Friends, family, colleagues, and students gathered to pay their final respects to Oloya, a man whose passion for education touched countless lives.
He was murdered on the night of March 21st, while making his way home to Bajjo, Goma Division.
Residents stumbled upon his lifeless body after returning from a local funeral, prompting an immediate police investigation.
Rev. Fr. Peter Ntege Lwazzi led a moving mass, painting a vivid picture of Oloya’s character. “Ivan was a man dedicated to service,” he declared, his voice filled with emotion.
“He was a true Ugandan educator, a beacon of dedication.”
Former student Grace Akello, her voice trembling, recalled his captivating lessons.
“He had a way of bringing history to life,” she shared, “making us truly feel the past.”
A School’s Deep Loss, A Quiet Influence Remembered
Boniface Sebukalu, the headteacher of Seeta High School Mbalala campus, spoke of Oloya’s profound impact on the institution.
“He transformed the history department,” Sebukalu stated, his words carrying a weight of loss.
“His quiet strength and passion led to a significant improvement in academic performance.”
Oloya’s presence, though understated, left an indelible mark.
Related: Tragedy Strikes Seeta High School as Senior Three Student Found Hanging
Family’s Desperate Plea, A Call for Government Action
Oloya’s family, including his grieving widow, Mercy Aber, and his brother, Titus Odongo, expressed their anguish and outrage.
“Our family has been irrevocably shattered,” Odongo declared, his voice filled with pain. “We urgently call upon the government to take decisive action to address the escalating violence that plagues our nation.”
Aber echoed this plea, her voice laced with sorrow and fear. “Protect us,” she implored. “We cannot bear to see more young widows and orphaned children.”
Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Minister of Higher Education and founder of Seeta Schools, conveyed his heartfelt condolences.
Paul Alibundi read his statement, describing Oloya as “a passionate educator who dedicated his life to shaping the minds of Uganda’s future leaders.”
The ministry pledged unwavering support to Oloya’s family during this devastating time.
Born in 1995, Oloya pursued his academic aspirations at Gulu University.
His teaching career took him to St. John Bosco Seminary, St. Peters Bombo, and finally, Seeta High School Mbalala.
He will be laid to rest in his ancestral village in Kitgum, leaving behind a community in deep mourning.
