The High Court has convicted and sentenced a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to murder, in a case that underscores accountability within the armed forces.
Private Okello Ronald, attached to the 5th Division Engineering Regiment, was on Thursday sentenced by Justice Sarah Birungi after admitting to the offence committed in June 2024 in Abolonyero Village, Kole District.
Court heard that on June 29, 2024, Okello directed his wife, Ejang Doris, to lure Opio Geoffrey to their home over suspicions of a relationship between the two.
Upon his arrival, Okello attacked and killed him before dumping the body about 100 meters away and fleeing to Pader District, where he was later arrested by police.
In delivering the sentence, the court emphasized that Okello had abused the trust placed in him as a serving soldier, whose duty is to uphold discipline and the lawful use of force.
The 30-year custodial sentence was handed down as punishment for the crime and as a deterrent, reinforcing the principle that all individuals, regardless of rank or position, are subject to the law.
The prosecution was led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Okello from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
