Former Headmaster of St Peter’s College Tororo murdered

Tororo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The former headmaster of St Peter’s College Tororo Joseph Francis Olokojo has died early today from severe petrol burn injuries after arsonists attacked him outside his home in the night.

According to reports from Tororo, he died on his way to Mulago Hospital from Mbale Referral hospital, where he had been taken for emergency treatment after the gruesome incident.

Reports indicate that the arsonists attacked Olokojo minutes after he came out of the house to check on a running water tap at around 11pm Tuesday night. They poured petrol on him and set him on fire.

Family first used water which failed, then later sand to extinguish the fire.

“The thugs bolted the door from outside and those in the house could not come out to rescue him. He got burnt beyond recognition and passed on in the morning hours a few minutes after leaving Mbale hospital for Mulago,” a source in Tororo said. Police have started investigations of the incident that occured in Ogola Village Kasooli Ward, Eastern Division, Tororo District.

Olokojo, 67, was one of the longest serving headmasters of St Peter’s College aka TC at Nyangole hill in Tororo, having also served previously as a teacher.

TC HEADMASTERS

He took over after the school went through years of turmoil, that followed the end of the long reign of James Mudidi, who had been HM for 24 years.

“The recovery of the school from mayhem and its development to its current status can be attributed to Mr Olokojo (2005-2021). He was able to streamline the administration, staffing, finances and discipline of the school,” said current headmaster Luke Emuron.

Earlier, James Mudidi (1975-1998) steered the school through the difficult political and economic times and his retirement in 1998 precipitated a near collapse of the institution as the subsequent administrations failed to maintain cohesion and harmony in the school.

The school started in 1941 with 34 students and by 1974 the school had grown and developed to a robust institution with over 800 students; a centre of excellence with world class staffing and facilities.

The decline of the school can be linked to the political upheaval in the country associated with rampant regime changes which disrupted the growth and development of the country. As the moral fabric of the country decayed, so did the discipline and the ethical values of the staff and the students at the school also declined.

VIDEO CAPTURED IN JUNE FEATURING OLOKOJO (full story CLICK HERE)

In a tribute, one of his students Jabbe Pascal Osinde hailed him as a great academician.

“As a Literature teacher at St. Peter’s College Tororo, Mr. Olokojo inspired generations of students with his passion for learning and his mastery of the subject. His ability to bring texts to life and spark critical thinking made him a beloved and respected figure in the classroom,” Jabbe Pascal Osinde said.

His leadership qualities and commitment to excellence propelled him to the position of Headmaster, where he continued to shape young minds and foster a culture of discipline and excellence.

” As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. May his memory continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for greatness.
Rest in peace, Mr. Olokojo. Your impact will never be forgotten,” concluded Jabbe Pascal Osinde.