The family of the late Ivan Oloya, a former teacher at Seeta High School in Mukono, has accused the Mukono Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of mishandling his murder investigation, citing prolonged delays and missing evidence that have stalled justice.
On Thursday, Oloya’s relatives—including his father Alfred Okwera, widow Abby Mercy Patricia, and cousin Emanuel Olweny—gathered at Mukono High Court, expecting the case to proceed before Lady Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye.
However, the hearing was postponed after court officials said that crucial evidence files had not been submitted by the police.
Among the missing items were phone printouts and other key exhibits, forcing the adjournment of the trial to next year.
Speaking to journalists outside the courthouse, Mr. Okwera criticized the police for negligence, saying the lack of proper handling had slowed progress in the case.
“We were told that phone printouts and some other exhibits are missing. This is unacceptable and has completely stalled the case,” he said, noting the emotional and financial toll on the family.
The family also contacted the investigating officer, Ema Mabberi, currently at Jinja Road Police Station, who reportedly asked for an additional week to locate the missing evidence and promised to update the court once it was available.
Oloya’s widow, Abby Mercy, expressed disappointment at the officer’s approach, saying the lack of commitment had forced the family to invest significant time and resources in pursuing justice.
She also criticized Seeta High School for distancing itself from the case, alleging that some of Oloya’s belongings were withheld despite his death occurring shortly after leaving the school premises.
Oloya’s cousin, Emanuel Olweny, acknowledged some progress, noting that one juvenile suspect had pleaded guilty and received a three-year sentence.
However, he urged police to expedite the preparation of case files for the remaining suspects to allow their trial to begin.
“We appreciate what the court has done so far, but we need the police to move faster. The other suspects must also be brought before court,” Olweny said.
Ivan Oloya, 30, was murdered in March 2025 at around 1:30 a.m. in Bajjo Cell, Nyenje Ward, Goma Division, approximately 60 meters from his place of residence.
Police arrested five suspects, including Paul Kasumba, 21; Simon Mabale, 23; Simon Lukoda, 18; Charles Kandole, 16—all casual workers—and Tom Kibuuka, 38, a mechanic.