The High Court has sentenced a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to murder in a case that has drawn attention to abuse of authority within the armed forces.
Private Okello Ronald, attached to the 5th Division Engineering Regiment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, was convicted on his own plea before Justice Sarah Birungi.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the offence was committed in June 2024 at Abolonyero Village in Kole District.
The court heard that on June 29, 2024, the convict instructed his wife, Ejang Doris, to lure Opio Geoffrey to their home after suspecting her of having a romantic relationship with the deceased. Upon arrival, Okello violently attacked and killed Opio before dumping the body approximately 100 metres from the scene.
He later fled to Pader District, where he was arrested by police.
In its statement, the prosecution emphasized the gravity of the crime, noting that the convict had been entrusted with the disciplined and lawful use of force as a member of the military.
“The convict was a serving member of the armed forces entrusted with discipline, responsibility, and the lawful use of force strictly within the confines of duty. Instead, he grossly abused that position of trust,” the ODPP stated.
Justice Birungi sentenced Okello to 30 years’ imprisonment, noting that the punishment serves as a deterrent and reinforces accountability.
“The sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment serves the purposes of punishment, deterrence, and denunciation. It reinforces the principle that no individual, regardless of rank or position, is above the law,” the prosecution added.
The case was prosecuted by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Okello from the ODPP.
The ruling underscores Uganda’s commitment to holding members of the security forces accountable for criminal acts, even as they serve in positions of authority.
