Oloya, 30, was brutally attacked and killed while on his way home to Bajjo, Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, where he lived with his wife, Mercy Aber, also a teacher. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of March 21, 2025, when residents returning from a local funeral discovered Oloya's lifeless body.
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Teachers carrying the casket of the deceased from the church
It was moments of grief at St. Paul Catholic Church as friends, family, colleagues, and students gathered for a mass to honor the life of Ivan Oloya, a beloved history teacher at Seeta High School Mbalala Campus, who was killed last Saturday.
Oloya, 30, was brutally attacked and killed while on his way home to Bajjo, Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, where he lived with his wife, Mercy Aber, also a teacher. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of March 21, 2025, when residents returning from a local funeral discovered Oloya's lifeless body.
Police were notified, and five individuals, including a 16-year-old boy, were arrested in connection with the crime. The motive for the murder remains under investigation. During the mass, Rev. Fr. Peter Ntege Lwazzi, the chaplain of Seeta High School, led heartfelt prayers and remembered Oloya’s unwavering dedication to both his faith and his profession.
"He was a man of service, a teacher who always put others first, and one of Uganda’s finest history educators," Fr. Lwazzi reflected. In his sermon, he urged the mourners to embrace the lessons of Oloya’s life. "We are called to be peacemakers, to live without grudges, and to always be mindful that every day is a gift from God," he said.
Current and former students of Seeta High School spoke tearfully about Oloya’s influence in their lives. His commitment to education was evident, and his passion for teaching history inspired countless students. Many recalled with fondness the last time Oloya showed a historical film in class, an event that will forever remain etched in their memories.
Bornface Sebukalu, a colleague at Seeta High School, described the late Oloya as a quiet yet powerful force. "In the year that we worked together, Mbalala campus saw notable improvements in academic performance, and Oloya’s contributions to the school’s success cannot be overstated," Sebukalu shared.
In a heartfelt tribute, Emmanuel Ochan, a close friend of Oloya, shared how the two had aspired to make their history lessons unforgettable. "We had big dreams together, and now my friend is gone. I urge the authorities to ensure those responsible for this senseless crime are held accountable," he said through tears.
The grief-stricken family of Ivan Oloya, including his brother Titus Odongo and widow Mercy Aber, condemned the rise in violent crimes and murders in the country. "Our family has been shattered, and we call on the government to ensure the safety of its citizens, so that no other family has to endure such a tragic loss," they said in a statement to the mourners.
Oloya, born on December 25, 1995, had recently completed his studies at Gulu University before embarking on his teaching career. He began his professional journey in August 2019 at St. John Bosco Seminary, later moving to St. Peters Bombo, and eventually to Seeta High School Mbalala, where he had become a cherished figure.
He is survived by his young daughter, and he will be laid to rest in Kitgum this Friday. In a statement read by Paul Alibundi, the headteacher of Seeta High Green Campus, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Minister of Higher Education and founder of Seeta Schools, praised Oloya’s commitment to educating Uganda’s future leaders.
"He was committed to the noble cause of education. We mourn his loss and stand with his family during this difficult time," Muyingo said. As investigations continue, the family and friends of Oloya remain hopeful that justice will prevail, bringing peace to their broken hearts and a sense of closure to a life taken far too soon.
