The education fraternity and residents of Katakwi District are mourning the passing of Mr. Charles Okiria, a seasoned and retired teacher remembered for his dedication, humility, and immense contribution to education in the region.
The late Okiria, who succumbed to liver cancer after a long illness, was laid to rest on Friday, December 6, 2025, at his ancestral home in Otujai Village, Usuk Sub-county.
His burial attracted hundreds of mourners, including dignitaries, education officers, UNATU representatives, and district leaders who gathered to pay their final respects.
Born and raised in Katakwi, Mr. Okiria began his teaching career in 1997 after completing his studies at Soroti Core Primary Teachers’ College.
He was later recruited by the government in 2000 and posted to Awojabule Primary School, where he served diligently until his retirement in 2022.
His retirement was prompted by persistent throat infections, which later developed into liver complications, leading to his untimely death.
Colleagues described him as “a principled, hardworking, and selfless teacher who always guided others on what was right.”
In a message delivered by Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, the Minister of State for Works and Transport and MP for Amuria, who represented Vice President Rt. Maj. (Rtd) Jesca Alupo Epel expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a man she described as “a pillar of education and an inspiration to many.”
Though unable to attend the burial due to official duties in Washington, D.C., where she is representing Uganda in peace restoration talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, VP Alupo sent UGX 2 million to the bereaved family.
Hon. Ecweru also contributed UGX 500,000 personally and another UGX 500,000 on behalf of Katakwi UNATU to support the teachers’ association.
“Let us remain proud of our Vice President for representing our region at a global stage. This is a great opportunity for us as Iteso,” said Hon. Ecweru, urging locals to continue supporting her work.
Hon. Ecweru, while addressing mourners, called on teachers especially those in the arts category to remain patient as the government continues to address salary disparities and other concerns.
“Teachers, we know you are disappointed. We may have made errors, but we are correcting them. The government is mobilizing resources to address your concerns. The quality of a country is equal to the quality of its teachers,” he emphasized.
He also appealed to educators to avoid strikes that disrupt learning, noting that “when children fail to attend school due to strikes, we lose an entire generation.”
Katakwi RDC Ilemukorit Stephen Okure and LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo both hailed teachers as the backbone of national development.
“The foundation of a nation is laid by teachers. Either a minister or a farmer is a product of a teacher,” said RDC Okure.
Omolo encouraged teachers to remain strong despite the loss, comparing their resilience to soldiers continuing the battle after losing a comrade.
He also commended teachers for making Katakwi one of the best-performing districts under the UPE programme in Teso for the last three years.
The Katakwi UNATU branch, alongside the UNATU Secretariat, contributed a total of UGX 2,023,000 to support the late Okiria’s family and promote the education of his children.
District Inspector of Schools Okiror John Bosco assured the family that the late’s pension benefits would continue to be processed to support his dependents.
He also urged teachers to ensure their payroll codes are updated to avoid payment disruptions.
Usuk County MP Bosco Okiror described the late Okiria as “a pillar, advisor, and eye of the community.”
“To lose a teacher is to lose the foundation of a nation. The late Okiria’s guidance and wisdom shaped many of us into who we are today,” he said.
As the sun set over Otujai Village, mourners bid farewell to a man whose life symbolized dedication, integrity, and service.
Though gone, his legacy continues to shine through the countless learners and teachers he mentored across Katakwi District.
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