Veteran Educationist, Church Leader Ocaet Horace Byatt Passes On

 February 12, 2026   |    4 views

By Our Reporter
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SOROTI — A cloud of grief hangs over the Diocese of Soroti and the Teso sub-region following the death of Mr Ocaet Horace Byatt, a respected educationist and church leader who served schools and the Church of Uganda for decades.

Mr Ocaet died on the morning of Thursday, 12 February 2026, at Ococia Health Centre III, where he had been rushed for treatment after falling ill, according to a statement issued by the Diocese. His body was later transferred to Bethesda Hospital for management.

Throughout his career, Mr Ocaet built a reputation for dedication and professionalism in the education sector, serving as deputy headteacher and headteacher in various schools within Teso and beyond. His leadership and commitment earned him recognition as a dependable pillar in academic administration.

His service extended into church leadership, where he remained actively involved in governance and ministry. He represented Orungo Archdeaconry in the Diocesan Synod and served as Chairperson of the Diocese of Soroti Board of Education, among other responsibilities.

Church authorities described his passing as a significant loss to the Diocese and the wider community.
The Diocese confirmed that key church leaders — including Rt Rev Michael Okwii Esakhan, Bishop of Kumi Diocese — retired bishops George William Erwau and Charles Bernard Obaikol Ebitu, clergy and lay readers, members of the Diocesan Synod and Board of Education, as well as political, civil, and cultural leaders across Amuria District and Teso, have been informed. Relatives, friends, and the Christian fraternity are also mourning his passing.

Funeral arrangements indicate that on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the body will be taken from Bethesda Hospital to St Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti, for a funeral service scheduled at 10:00 a.m. It will thereafter be transported to his ancestral home in Orwadai Village, Omoratok Parish, Orungo Sub-county, Orungo County, Amuria District.

Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Planning meetings for the send-off are being held daily from 4:00 p.m. at the St Peter’s Cathedral compound.