LIRA — The High Court in Lira has sentenced a 32-year-old man to 40 years in prison for the murder of prominent Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist Dr. Wilfred Olila, in a case that shocked the medical community in northern Uganda.
The convict, Paul Mugerwa, a resident of Mbale, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and aggravated robbery. He was convicted on March 3, 2026, on his own plea of guilt.
Appearing before Sarah Birungi Kalibbala on April 13, Mugerwa was handed a 40-year sentence for murder and an additional 20 years for aggravated robbery. The sentences will run concurrently, with time already spent on remand to be considered.
In her ruling, Justice Kalibbala emphasized the gravity of the crime and the need to deter similar acts of violence.
“The taking of human life in such a cruel manner calls for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence,” she said, adding that despite the accused’s guilty plea, justice for the victim and his family remained paramount.
Investigations by police linked the killing to a violent robbery. According to East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nachuha, the victim was found with signs of severe assault and restraint, indicating a brutal attack.
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole said security agencies moved quickly to apprehend suspects following the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice.
The killing drew condemnation from the Uganda Medical Association, which described Dr. Olila as a dedicated professional whose death was a major loss to the health sector.
Association president Herbert Luswata called for stronger protections for health workers, urging authorities to enhance security measures across the country.
Although the defence had asked the court for leniency, citing remorse and the early guilty plea, the court held that the seriousness of the offence justified a lengthy custodial sentence.
Dr. Olila’s murder sparked widespread outrage across the Lango sub-region, with many residents and health professionals describing his death as a significant setback to healthcare services in northern Uganda.
