The High Court in Lira has sentenced Paul Mugerwa to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the murder of Dr. Wilfred Olila, a case that shocked the Lango sub-region.
Appearing before Lady, Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibala on Monday, Mugerwa admitted to killing the retired doctor.
The judge convicted him on his own plea of guilty and handed down the 40-year sentence for murder.
He was also sentenced to 20 years in prison on a separate count of aggravated robbery.
Court heard that in January 2025, Mugerwa, who worked with a health insurance company in Mbale, orchestrated the kidnapping of Dr. Olila from Lira Hotel. He later killed him and dumped his body in Kalaki District.
Dr. Olila, a retired medical doctor, operated New Moroto Nursing Home in Lira, where he specialised in ear, nose and throat treatment.
His death sent shockwaves through the community, where he was widely respected.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Okello, told court that the offence was premeditated and called for a deterrent sentence.
Justice Kalibala said the punishment should serve as a warning that those who unlawfully take life will face the full force of the law.
