Teso Progressive SS pays over UGX 10m for burial of student shot dead by runaway soldier

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Sam Okiding, confirmed the army’s contribution of UGX 5m for burial expenses and UGX 2m for medical treatment of a teacher injured during the shooting.

Ngora, Uganda: The management of Teso Progressive Secondary School has paid UGX 10.5 million toward the burial of Senior Three student Gabriel Okiror, who was shot dead last week by an officer in military fatigues, triggering shock and outrage across Ngora District.

The money, in cash, was handed over to the organising committee chairman, Abdullah Azizi Ongodia, during a meeting convened at the Resident District Commissioner’s office on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Ongodia told DailyExpress that the school had initially pledged UGX 9 million before the director later increased the contribution. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) separately contributed UGX 5 million toward burial expenses.

Okiror’s mother, Hellen Ikanu, welcomed the school’s financial support but said the pain of losing her son to a senseless killing remains unbearable. “I request the security agencies to ensure the culprit is brought on board so that my son’s soul can rest in peace,” she cried out to DailyExpress.

Teso Progressive SS Director John Omungur acknowledged the school’s contribution and apologised to the bereaved family, pledging continued support. “We stand with the family during this difficult moment,” Omungur said.

District Police Commander Denis Pahani confirmed that the shooting occurred after two officers, PC Ijobu Sylvia and Pte Atim Agnes, booked out from Ngora Police Station under reference NGORA SD Ref 22/18/11/2025 following a phone call from the school.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the officers. “We shall trace them wherever they are hiding,” DPC Pahani said.

In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, Ngora LCV Chairperson Hon. Mike Odongo confirmed that all parties had agreed on the burial programme scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025. He urged the family to remain calm as the investigations progress.

Deputy RDC John Magazi Lukooki, who chaired the meeting, commended the school and security teams for their humanitarian response.

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Sam Okiding, confirmed the army’s contribution of UGX 5m for burial expenses and UGX 2m for medical treatment of a teacher injured during the shooting.

“We are going to establish the circumstances under which the student was killed and ensure all culprits are brought to book,” Gen. Okiding said.