Zombo renowned educator, Ukirwoth Sillar laid to rest

Zombo: The community of Zombo District and beyond assembled in significant numbers on Monday, October 27, 2025, to pay final respects to the late Ukirwoth Sillar Ungala, a committed teacher, school administrator, and founder of Jubilant Canaan Junior School.

Ungala passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following a brief illness, leaving a legacy of dedication to instructional delivery and community capacity building.

During the funeral service, Hon. Easter Afoyocan, the Woman Member of Parliament for Zombo District, characterized Ungala as a cornerstone in the education sector.

She acknowledged his relentless advocacy for curriculum implementation and his profound influence on educators and learners. “He stood strong and committed to education, and his contribution will never be forgotten,” she said.

Songa Lawrence, the Member of Parliament for Ora Constituency, reflected on his longstanding association with Ungala, originating from their pupil days at Papoga Primary School.

He commended Ungala’s  vision, resilience, and enthusiasm for teaching and learning, stating, “If there’s someone who loves education in our land, Sillar is one of them.”

Biyika encouraged fellow teachers to model Ungala’s professional commitment and instructional passion.

Elly Aswa, a professional colleague, recounted a key  insight imparted by Ungala, who advised, “Work you don’t do it for the rest of your life, if time comes you leave the work for the others, don’t let people’s work make you grow thin, if time comes leave it.”

Aswa portrayed Ungala as a mentor who emphasized the value of diligent effort and professional devotion.

Other distinguished speakers who eulogized Ungala included Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny, the NRM flag bearer for Ora Constituency, and Pimundu Asede,  the LC 3 Chairperson of Zeu Sub-county.

Kwiocwiny depicted Ungala as a peer who championed education and demonstrated fervor for learner guidance.

Robert Omirambe, the Headteacher of Jubilant Canaan Junior School, described Ungala as a community-oriented leader proficient in school management.

Immaculate Tushasirwe, Headteacher of NSasi Secondary School from Ibanda District, a partner institution to Jubilant Canaan, remembered Ungala for his dedication to education and inter-school collaboration. The school enrolls 32 learners from Jubilant Canaan Junior School.

Mr. Cwombe Tefilo, the family head and brother of the late Ungala, said, “The late Sillar was a man of the people, he likes doing for other people than to himself.”

The Very Rev. Can Ephraim Jagen, Dean of St. Stephen’s Cathedral Goli, urged attendees to imitate Ungala’s exemplary conduct, declaring, “If you want to receive blessings, do more to others than you like Sillar did.”

He underscored Ungala’s philanthropy, citing his donation of land to the church and his pledge to further advance religious initiatives.

Ungala’s enduring impact will persist through the numerous learners and educators he influenced throughout his professional tenure. He is survived by six children and a widow.

Born on July 14, 1975, in Cananyira Village, Zeu Sub-county, Zombo District, Ungala was an alumnus of the local education system, having attended Papoga Primary School and Zeu Secondary School.

He subsequently rose as a key stakeholder in the district’s educational framework.

Ungala’s distinguished career featured notable advancements in learning institutions.

He held the position of Director of Studies at Anika Classic School in Kampala and served as Headteacher of Public Trust High School in Ntungamo.

From 1999 to 2003, he was Headteacher of Zeu Senior Secondary School, where he facilitated considerable institutional expansion and scholastic progress.

As  the founder and Director of Administration at Bethel Junior School-Zeu, he set a standard for education excellence in the district.

At the time of his passing, Ungala was actively developing inter-institutional alliances between Jubilant Canaan Junior School and entities such as FOYA-Uganda and Emerson Elementary School in Ohio, USA. These partnerships were already improving  the school’s facilities and learner opportunities, exemplifying his forward-thinking approach to educational administration.

Ungala’s formal education commenced in 1981 upon enrollment in Primary 1. He completed his primary cycle in 1987, progressing from Primary 1 to Primary 7. From 1988 to 1992, he attended Zeu Secondary School, earning his Uganda Certificate of Education (O-Level). He then pursued Advanced Level studies at St. Aloysius College Nyapea from 1993 to 1995.

Advancing further, he trained at National Teachers College Muni from 1995 to 1997, obtaining a Diploma in Secondary Education. Subsequently, from 2002 to 2004, he studied at Kyambogo University, acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

During his career, he instructed at diverse institutions, including Aluka Secondary School and Zeu Secondary School, among others.

As Zombo District mourns Ungala, his legacy of commitment to education, community development, and visionary leadership remains.

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