Joseph Mary Buwule
The education fraternity in Uganda is mourning the death of Dr Henry Stanley Okia, the longtime principal of Hillside Schools Naalya.
Dr Okia passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after a career spanning more than four decades.
He was remembered by colleagues, parents and former learners as a dedicated educationist, school administrator, mentor and advocate for academic excellence.
His death has brought an end to a professional journey that began in 1980 and saw him rise from a classroom teacher to one of the country’s respected private-school administrators.
According to reports surrounding his death, Dr Okia experienced a heart-related medical emergency on Wednesday and drove himself to hospital for medical attention. His condition reportedly deteriorated after he arrived at Case Hospital in Kampala, and he died on Thursday morning.
However, earlier reports from Hillside Schools indicated that Dr Okia collapsed at the hospital while attending a cardiovascular check-up.
Who was Dr Okia
His journey in education began in 1980 when he joined Namutamba Primary Teachers’ College in Mityana District. He qualified as a Grade Two teacher in 1984 before being posted to Narambhai Road Primary School in Jinja District.
At Narambhai Road, he taught subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and Religious Education. In 1988, he moved to Nakasero Primary School in Kampala, where he continued teaching until 1996.
He later entered private education, becoming head teacher of Lakeside Academy Primary School in Bugonga, Entebbe, in 1997. He subsequently helped establish Entebbe Junior School before joining Hillside Schools Naalya.
Dr Okia eventually became principal of Hillside Schools, a position he held for more than two decades. By 2024, he had served at the school for about 23 years, while continuing to maintain a strong connection with classroom teaching.
Despite his senior administrative position, he occasionally taught Primary Seven pupils, particularly Social Studies and Religious Education. His approach reflected his long-held belief that education was more than a profession.
His academic achievements were equally remarkable. Having started his career as a Grade Two teacher, Dr Okia continued upgrading his qualifications throughout his professional life. He obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Kyambogo University and graduated during the university’s 19th graduation ceremony in December 2023.
His doctoral research focused on “Support Supervision and Teacher Performance in Government-aided Primary Schools in Teso Sub-region, Uganda,” examining the relationship between teacher supervision and performance.
Burial arrangements
• August 27
Requiem Mass at Naalya Hillside primary School campus
• August 27
Vigil at Budugala home , Mukono
August 28
Body transported to pallisa District.
August 30
Burial in paliisa District
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