Friends, family demand justice for murdered Seeta High School teacher
Murdered: Ivan Oloya. PHOTO/ COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Ivan Oloya was born on December 25, 1995 in Kitgum District. He joined Gulu University, where he completed his studies in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Literature and History
The death of Ivan Oloya, whose lifeless body was discovered in Bajjo cell, Nyenje Ward, Goma Division, Mukono Municipality at the weekend, has left many reeling in shock.
As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 30-year-old’s demise, fear has engulfed several residents in the area. He was killed at around 1:30am on March 22.
According to police, Oloya left his workplace at Seeta High School, Mbalala and was heading home when he was attacked and killed near the gate of Code High School, where his wife, Mercy Aber, works as a teacher.
Five suspects have so far been arrested in connection to his murder. The suspects include casual labourers and a mechanic.
Security concerns have emerged following reports that Oloya could have been hit by a paver and or iron bar.
For family, friends, and colleagues, Oloyas death has left them with more questions than answers.
As they also grapple with grief, they remember him as a dedicated, loving, and humble man.
Oloya’s wife, Ms Aber, said her husband was a faithful, hardworking, caring, loving man who had special abilities that are rare in other men.
“The legacy he was creating was to show us how to work…He would tell me what was wrong and right. He was a counsellor, a teacher and my best friend,” she said at St Paul Church Mukono yesterday.
Ms Aber said she has a young family and wondered how she will cope without her husband.
“We need justice to prevail. Police and concerned authorities, government, please help us get justice in this matter. I call upon all of us to stand against the ongoing killings; no one should become a widow at a young age; this is terrible for me,” she added.
Mr Emmanuel Ochan,a friend of the deceased, said Oloya worked at Hoima Seminary before he joined Seeta High School last year.
“We graduated together, and he was a good debater while studying; we need justice for this young man,” he said.
Ms Gloria Abbey, a relative, also demanded for justice.
“Mr Oyola has been a well-behaved man, and we are not satisfied that he was killed at the gate. Some of our family members believe that he was killed from somewhere else and then dragged near the gate of Code High School.”
Patience Nabukenya, a student at Seeta High School said, on the fateful day, Oloya was busy at school, attending to students.
“The day he was killed, he took a long time to leave school. Unfortunately, we heard the news the following morning that he had been murdered,” the student explained.
Mr Boniface Ssebukalu, the head teacher of Seeta High School Mbalala, said Oloya has contributed a lot to the Seeta community in a short period. Oloya replaced a teacher who was promoted to head teacher last year.
“We received many good grades at our school this time because of Oyola. He has been an amazing person who is committed to his profession,” Mr Ssebukalu said.
The head teacher added: “Oloya left this school at 10pm on Friday and went home since he does not reside inside. However, we learnt about his death after receiving calls early in the morning informing us about the body in Bajjo, where we identified him as our staff.”
Rev Fr Peter Ntege Lwazi, who led mass at St Paul Church in Mukono, said the deceased was religious, passionate about his work, and among the best teachers in the country.
Oloya will be laid to rest on Friday in Kitgum District.
BRIEF BIO
Ivan Oloya was born on December 25, 1995 in Kitgum District. He joined Gulu University, where he completed his studies in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Literature and History. Oloya thereafter started teaching at St John Bosco Seminary in Hoima and St Peters Bombo, then Seeta High School, Mbalala campus in Mukono Municipality. He is survived by a wife and one child. According to the funeral arrangements, Oloya will be buried on Friday in Kitgum District.
