Bold statement: Injustice lingers where evidence goes missing, and a community waits for truth and accountability to catch up with tragedy. This rewritten piece preserves every key detail of the original while offering a clearer, more accessible narrative.
Family of Slain Seeta High Teacher Accuses Police of Mishandling Investigation
The relatives of Ivan Oloya, a former Seeta High School teacher from Mukono, are charging the Mukono Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with mishandling the murder inquiry. They point to long delays and missing evidence that have hindered the pursuit of justice.
On Thursday, Oloya’s family members—his father Alfred Okwera, his widow Abby Mercy Patricia, and his cousin Emanuel Olweny—gathered at Mukono High Court with the expectation that the case would advance before Lady Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye. Instead, the hearing was postponed because court officials said essential evidence files had not been submitted by the police.
Among the missing items were phone printouts and other critical exhibits, prompting the adjournment of the trial to a later date next year.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Okwera criticized the police for negligence, arguing that improper handling had slowed progress in the case and increased the emotional and financial strain on the family.
The family also reached out to the investigating officer, Ema Mabberi, who is presently stationed at Jinja Road Police Station. Mabberi reportedly requested another week to locate the missing evidence and promised to update the court once it was located.
Oloya’s widow, Abby Mercy, expressed disappointment with the officer’s approach, saying the lack of commitment has forced the family to expend substantial time and resources in their pursuit of 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 he left 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. He urged the police to accelerate the preparation of case files for the remaining suspects so their trial can begin promptly.
“We appreciate what the court has done so far, but faster progress from the police is needed. The other suspects must also be brought before the court,” Olweny stated.
Ivan Oloya, 30, was murdered in March 2025 at about 1:30 a.m. in Bajjo Cell, Nyenje Ward, Goma Division, roughly 60 meters from his home.
Police have arrested five suspects: Paul Kasumba, 21; Simon Mabale, 23; Simon Lukoda, 18; Charles Kandole, 16—all casual workers—and Tom Kibuuka, 38, a mechanic.
Controversial angles worth watching include the police’s handling of key exhibits and the school’s response to the investigation. Do these gaps reflect systemic issues in local law enforcement, or are they the product of procedural delays that affect many cases? What responsibilities should institutions like Seeta High School bear in supporting families during investigations? Share your thoughts and join the discussion.
