Dr. Opiyo Oloya, MED, PhD, LLD (honoris causa)
Opiyo Oloya BA (Hons)’83, BEd’86 was born in Pamin-yai village, west of Gulu town in northern Uganda. He arrived at Queen’s on June 7, 1981, on a sponsorship by World University Service of Canada (WUSC). He obtained a MEd degree from the University of Ottawa. He was awarded a PhD at York University for his groundbreaking work on child soldiers in Northern Uganda. His publications include Child to Soldier (UofT Press 2013), Black Hawks Rising (Helion 2016), The Best Army Doesn’t Wear Kilts (Helion 2025). In 2012, York University awarded Dr. Oloya an honorary Doctor of Law (LLD, honoris causa) for his humanitarian and social justice work in Africa. In June 2016, he was awarded Uganda Heroes Medal by H.E. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
From 1988 to 2021, Opiyo worked in various roles including elementary teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent of education and Acting Associate Director of Education with the York Catholic District School Board. In June 2021, Opiyo was appointed the Inaugural Associate Vice President Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Western University. His vision is inclusive and transformative excellence for all.
Dr. Oloya is married to Emily, with two sons, Oceng and Ogaba.
