A Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officer, Private Okello Ronald, has been convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of murder.
Wooden Gavel
The sentence was handed down by the High Court, presided over by Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Birungi, following his admission of guilt during proceedings held this afternoon.
Court heard that the offence was committed in June 2024 at Abolonyero Village in Kole District. On 29th June 2024, Private Okello, who was attached to the 5th Division Engineering Regiment, directed his wife, Ejang Doris, to lure Opio Geoffrey to their home over suspicions of an alleged romantic relationship between the two.
Upon arrival, Opio Geoffrey was violently attacked and killed. The convict later dumped the body approximately 100 meters from the scene before fleeing to Pader District, where he was subsequently arrested by police.
In delivering the sentence, the court underscored the gravity of the offence, noting that the convict, as a serving member of the armed forces, was entrusted with discipline, responsibility, and the lawful use of force. Instead, he abused that trust in a manner that led to the unlawful loss of life.
The 30-year custodial sentence, the court noted, serves as punishment for the crime, a deterrent to others, and a clear denunciation of such conduct. It further reinforces the principle that no individual, regardless of rank or position, is above the law.
The prosecution was led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Okello from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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