A dark cloud has fallen over Pallisa District following the death of Dr. Henry Stanley Okia, the long-serving Principal of Hillside Schools Naalya and one of the district’s celebrated educationists. Dr. Okia collapsed at Case Hospital in Kampala on Thursday, moments after arriving for a cardiac check-up, leaving relatives, colleagues, former students, and political leaders in shock.
Pallisa District Woman MP Catherine Achola said she nearly collapsed upon receiving the news, having spoken to Dr. Okia only minutes earlier. “Okia was more than my cousin brother. He was a pillar in my political journey. He gave me his time, guidance, plans, financial support, and preached unity and reconciliation,” Achola said, adding that he was instrumental in shaping her five-year constituency development plan.
At Hillside Schools Naalya, where Dr. Okia had led the Nursery and Primary sections since 2003, the news triggered grief among staff. Mr Tom Okweny, speaking on behalf of teachers, described him as a distinguished educationist, visionary leader, mentor, and passionate advocate for academic excellence. School administrator Shamsidin Semugenyi said Dr. Okia had appeared cheerful during a cultural event at the school on Saturday and did not seem seriously ill before going for the cardiac check-up.
Dr. Okia’s career was a remarkable journey from a Grade II teacher to a PhD. holder in educational planning from Kyambogo University. He began his teaching career in 1980 at Namutamba Primary Teachers’ College in Mityana, graduated in 1984, and was posted to Nalambai Road Primary School in Jinja City. He later taught at Nakasero Primary School, headed Lakeside Academy Bwebajja, helped establish Entebbe Junior School and joined Hillside Naalya in 2003.
Despite rising to senior administrative positions, Dr. Okia remained committed to teaching. He continued teaching Primary Seven Social Studies and Religious Education while also using his expertise in planning and management for consultancy work. In a past interview with NTV Uganda, he said remaining at primary level had helped him develop specialised knowledge that enabled him to contribute to education planning and management.
His influence extended beyond his schools, with former students crediting him for shaping their careers. Mr Johnson Otimong, a social studies teacher at Kalaki Primary School in Pallisa Town Council, said Dr. Okia taught him at Nalambai Road and inspired him to become a teacher. “He made all of us score distinctions except three who got 3 in SST. He is the reason I joined teaching,” Otimong said.
Mr Moses Otimong, now Principal City Clerk of Makindye Division in Kampala, said Dr. Okia also played a major role in his career. He said after completing UACE, Dr. Okia convinced him to join a National Teachers’ College, exposing him to opportunities that later led to a career in teaching and local government.
Pallisa RDC Magid Dhikusooka described Dr. Okia as a friend, brother, educationist, entrepreneur, and committed NRM cadre. Dr Henry Nakalet Opolot said his death had frustrated plans he, Dr Okia and Prof. Mary Okwakol had to improve education performance in Pallisa. He said Dr. Okia often stressed that improving teachers’ attitudes was essential to raising academic standards.
Opolot said Dr. Okia did not only talk about improving education in Pallisa but invested in it, establishing West View School in Pallisa Town and East View School in Kibale. His contribution, he said, demonstrated Dr Okia’s determination to give back to his home district and create opportunities for learners.
The burial organising committee chairman, Mr Albert Ojukul, said a requiem service will be held at Hillside Primary School, Naalya, at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 27, 2026. A vigil will follow at his home in Budugala, Wakiso, on Friday, August 28, before the body is taken to Pallisa, where a service will be held at All Saints Parish Church and a vigil at Kaucho.
On Saturday, August 29, the body will be taken to the ancestral home in Kakusi Village, Kibale Sub-county, Pallisa, for a vigil. Burial will take place on Sunday, August 30, at the ancestral home in Kakusi, with Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng expected to preside. Dr. Okia started his journey with chalk in his hands and leaves behind thousands of successful learners, teachers, and two schools in his home district — a legacy that Pallisa’s education fraternity says will endure.