Rev. Fr. Dominic Alinga, a 34-year-old Catholic priest, was remanded to Kigo prison on Friday, facing charges related to the alleged murder of Uganda Revenue Authority employee John Bosco Ngorok and the attempted murder of Abigaba Mugisha. The priest, who resides in Alipada village, Ngoleite Sub County, Kangole Town Council in Napak District, appeared before the Entebbe Grade One Magistrate’s Court.
During the court proceedings, Rev. Fr. Alinga remained calm as the charges were read out. However, he was unable to enter a plea since the charges are capital offenses, which can only be heard by the High Court.
The prosecution alleges that on August 3, 2024, Rev. Fr. Alinga, with malice aforethought, unlawfully murdered John Bosco Ngorok in the Kitooro zone, Entebbe, Wakiso District. Additionally, on the same day, he allegedly attempted to murder Abigaba Mugisha, a Boda Boda rider, who was trying to transport the injured Ngorok to Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital for emergency medical care.
These charges fall under sections 171, 172, and 187 of the Penal Code Cap 128, which are capital in nature. The presiding magistrate, citing the court’s lack of jurisdiction to try such cases, ordered Rev. Fr. Alinga’s remand until August 26, 2024, for further mention of the case.
The defense lawyer, Edward Bamulutira, requested that the prosecution expedite its investigations and commit the accused to the High Court for trial. The prosecution assured the court that they are in the process of preparing the necessary committal papers.
