Family of teacher killed in Mukono seeks justice

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A sombre mood filled St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mukono as mourners gathered for a requiem mass honouring Ivan Oloya, a teacher at Seeta High School Mbalala Campus.

He was killed on March 21, 2025, while on his way home in Bajjo, Goma division, Mukono Municipality. Oloya lived there with his wife, Aber Mercy, also a teacher at Code High School.

His body was discovered at around 1:30 am by residents returning from a funeral in the area. They immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of five suspects, including a 16-year-old boy.

Teachers carrying the casket with remains of Ivan Oloya who was killed on March 21, 2025. (Photo by Eric Yiga)

On Monday, at 9:00 am, Oloya’s remains arrived at the church, where a grieving crowd of residents, students, teachers, and staff joined his widow in mourning.

Rev. Fr Peter Ntege Lwazzi, the Seeta High School chaplain who led the service, described Oloya as a dedicated teacher and a man of faith who served the Lord selflessly.

“I urge you, brethren, to always be peacemakers, avoid grudges, love one another, and not be judgmental. Treat each day as if it were your last,” he told mourners.

Current and former students tearfully praised Oloya for his passion for teaching, recalling how he captivated them with history lessons. Many remembered his last moments at the school when he screened a film for them before leaving.

Speaking on behalf of the teachers, Boniface Sebukalu said Oloya had left a lasting impact in just a year at Mbalala Campus. "He was a quiet man, but his work spoke volumes. His presence transformed academic performance at the school," Sebukalu noted.

Emmanuel Ochan, a close friend of the deceased, called for justice, urging authorities to ensure those responsible for the killing are held accountable.

Oloya’s family, including his brother Titus Odongo and widow Mercy Aber, condemned the rising cases of murder and theft in the country. They called on the government to step up efforts to protect citizens and support widows and orphans left behind by such tragic incidents.

In a condolence message delivered by Seeta High Green Campus head teacher Paul Alibundi, on behalf of Minister of Higher Education and Seeta Schools founder, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, praised Oloya’s dedication to education and promised continued support for his family.

Oloya, born on December 25, 1995, was 29 years old at the time of his death. He graduated from Gulu University and began his teaching career at St John Bosco Seminary in 2019, later moving to St Peter’s Bombo before joining Seeta High School Mbalala, where he taught history.

He is survived by a baby girl and will be laid to rest on Friday, March 28, in Kitgum.