Rev. Fr. Dominic Alinga, a 34-year-old Catholic priest, has been remanded to Kigo prison until August 26.
The remand follows allegations that he murdered Uganda Revenue Authority employee John Bosco Ngorok and attempted to kill Abigaba Mugisha.
Rev. Fr. Alinga, a resident of Alipada village in Napak District, appeared before the Entebbe Grade One Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He remained calm as the charges were read, though he could not enter a plea. This is because the charges are of a serious nature and can only be addressed by the High Court.
The prosecution claims that on August 3, 2024, in Kitooro zone, Entebbe, Rev. Fr. Alinga unlawfully killed John Bosco Ngorok. Additionally, the priest is accused of attempting to murder Abigaba Mugisha, a Boda Boda rider who had tried to rush Ngorok to Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.
The allegations are in violation of sections 171, 172, and 187 of the Penal Code Cap 128, which cover capital offenses. The presiding magistrate explained that the court lacks jurisdiction over such serious charges, leading to Alinga’s remand until further proceedings on August 26.
Defence lawyer Edward Bamulutira has requested that the prosecution expedite its investigations and move the case to the High Court. The prosecution has indicated that it is preparing the necessary committal papers to advance the case.
