Tororo holds requiem mass for former Uganda Police chief Okoth Ogolla

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Hundreds gathered in Tororo on Saturday, February 22, to attend the requiem mass for the late Inspector General of Police (IGP) Aron Boniface Okoth Ogolla, who died on February 14, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.  

Ogolla, who battled diabetes, will be buried on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in his ancestral home in Mbula village, Petta sub-county.

Ogolla's body was received in Tororo yesterday evening (Friday, Feb. 21) at his home in Bison Maguria (Mario 2), Mbale Road, Western Division.

Rev. Paul Masaba, vicar of St Peter's Cathedral, Bukedi diocese who led mass urged members of the Uganda Police Force to prioritize their relationship with God. He specifically challenged them to reflect on their commitment to community churches, contrasting their frequent attendance at large city churches with the often-neglected religious institutions in rural areas.

Police officials in attendance of the requiem mass. (George Ofwono)

"This former police boss here was a great contributor to the Lord's temples, building churches," Masaba said. "Consider what you have done for God. Some of you only come home for Christmas, and it's shameful to see your posh cars parked beside poor-looking village churches, only to disappear after the holidays."

Commissioner of Police Moses Otaala Oburu Obbo, representing the current Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, paid tribute to Ogolla's distinguished career, marked by discipline and a deep commitment to his work.

Mourners at the requiem mass. (George Ofwono)

Otaala pledged the Uganda Police Force's continued support for Ogolla's family and vowed to uphold his legacy.

He underscored Ogolla's significance to the region, stating, "It's because of Ogolla's legacy that many from this region move with their heads high." He stated that Ogolla's integrity and commitment to the force made him an iconic figure.

Mourners who shared memories of Ogolla, a figure deeply embedded in Tororo district included Mrs Mwambu, a former classmate of Okoth Ogolla at Nabumali High School.  

She recounted how Ogolla, from a young age, aspired to a career in law enforcement. She remembered his meticulousness and dedication to his goals, even in secondary school.  

“Okoth Ogolla started his aspiration of becoming a police officer while we were still in secondary and I am happy he died after serving to the highest rank in the force. I remember Ogolla buying shoes similar to those worn by soldiers. He also conducted mock drills. He would make sure he was the last student to enter class before the teacher walked, sometimes he could even make his colleagues match around the classroom. He truly lived his aspiration and achieved, rest in peace my OB Okoth Ogolla,” Mrs Mwambu recalled.

Noah Okumu, a district councilor representing Western Division, highlighted Ogolla's crucial role during a period of tribal tension in Tororo.  He emphasized Ogolla's leadership and guidance in meetings with the president regarding the district's boundaries.

Dr Emmanuel Otaala, Member of Parliament for Budama South, also addressed the congregation. He called for the promotion of junior officers from Tororo to higher ranks within the police force, suggesting it as a fitting tribute to Ogolla's legacy.

"We the Jopadhola's are hardworking people, and the only way to honor Ogolla is by elevating senior police officers from this district to take leadership roles within the force," Dr Otaala stated.

"This will allow Ogolla's soul to rest in peace, knowing that people from his district are serving the institution he built over decades."  

He also offered condolences to the family of former IGP John Cossy Odomel, who recently passed away.

Ogolla's body will be taken to the village tonight for a vigil before his burial tomorrow (Sunday 23).

Biography:

A father of 11, Aron Boniface Okoth Ogolla was born on December 25, 1930, in Mbula village, Petta sub-county, to Aron Owino and Joyce Athieno.  

Education:

a) Apokor and Kisoko primary schools (1947-1952). 

b) Nabumali High School (1953-1957). 

c) Certificate course at the Law Development Centre Kampala (1971-1973). 

d) Diploma in Police Administration from the Australian Police College (1973).

Career:

Ogolla served in the Uganda Police Force from November 1, 1961, rising through the ranks to Inspector General of Police from February 16, 1981, to May 2, 1986.