Grief overwhelms celebration of murdered Tororo headteacher's life
Olokojo was brutally murdered in Ogolla Ward, Eastern Division, Tororo Municipality, leaving the community in shock.
TORORO | Grief and disbelief gripped the community as friends, family, and residents gathered to mourn the tragic death of Joseph Olokojo, a former headteacher of St Peter's College Tororo.
Olokojo was brutally murdered in Ogolla Ward, Eastern Division, Tororo Municipality, leaving the community in shock.
According to police reports, unknown assailants broke into Olokojo’s home on the night of August 14, 2024, breaching the wall fence.
Upon realising the danger, Olokojo attempted to confront the attackers but was set on fire using petrol.
Despite suffering severe burns, he was rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and later transferred to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, where he succumbed to his injuries en route.
At Olokojo's home today, many are still struggling to come to terms with the loss. Relatives described him as a kind and generous man, known for avoiding conflicts and supporting his community.
Born in 1961 in Ngora District, Olokojo had always aspired to be a teacher. After earning a BA Degree and a Diploma in Education from Makerere University in 1983, he began his teaching career at Aloi Secondary School.
He later joined St Peter’s College in 1989 as a literature teacher, where he served until 2003, when he was appointed Deputy Headteacher.
In 2005, he was transferred to Tororo Girls’ School, but later returned to St. Peter's College as headteacher in 2010, leading the school until his retirement in 2021.
Under Olokojo's leadership, St Peter’s College flourished, particularly through his introduction of sponsorship programs that elevated the school's academic performance.
"It was during his leadership that we managed to win the Bernard Onyango award for scoring 8 for 8," said Rev. Father William Ojulo, the school chaplain.
Olokojo is remembered as a passionate and dedicated educator who inspired many teachers in Tororo to pursue their dreams.
"He groomed several teachers in Tororo who have now become headteachers," said Luke Emuron, the current headteacher of St. Peter’s College.
With no arrests made and the motive behind the attack still unclear, police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"We remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and call for cooperation from the public," said Moses Mugwe, Bukedi South police spokesperson.
Olokojo’s body will be returned from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital to his home in Tororo tomorrow before being transported to his ancestral home in Ngora District.
The community is expected to turn out in large numbers to pay their last respects to a man who dedicated his life to shaping young minds in the district.
