crime 15 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Lira High Court Jails Mbale Man 40 Years for Killing Soroti University Lecturer
The High Court in Lira has imprisoned 32-year-old Paul Mugerwa for 40 years after he pleaded guilty to murdering Dr. Wilfred Olila, a prominent ENT specialist and Soroti University lecturer. The court also handed him a concurrent 20-year term for aggravated robbery, highlighting the severe impact of the crime on the community. Source: https://observer.ug/news/court-sentences-man-to-40-years-for-murder-of-soroti-lecturer
The High Court in Lira recently sentenced Paul Mugerwa, a 32-year-old from Mbale, to 40 years in prison for the murder of Dr. Wilfred Olila. Dr. Olila, a respected ear, nose, and throat specialist and lecturer at Soroti University, was found dead on January 17, 2025, along the Otuboi–Abalanga road in Kalaki district, shocking the Lango sub-region.
Police arrested 11 suspects initially, but released seven for lack of evidence. Mugerwa was apprehended in February 2026 and pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated robbery charges on March 3, leading to his conviction.
Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala imposed 40 years for murder and 20 years for aggravated robbery, to run concurrently, deducting time on remand. She followed constitutional guidelines, stressing the loss of a valued professional whose death deeply affected the community.
Prosecutors sought a 30-year deterrent sentence, while the defense requested leniency, citing Mugerwa’s status as a first-time offender, young adult, and family man capable of reform.
Other suspects like Joe George Okello, Steven Kelama, Joseph Okabo, Jonathan Omara, Andrew Okello, and Alex Itonge faced charges or arrests, but several were later released.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)