Rev. Fr. Dominic Alinga, a 34-year-old Catholic priest from Alipada village in Napak District, has been remanded to Kigo prison until August 26th over allegations of murder and attempted murder. The charges relate to the killing of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) employee John Bosco Ngorok and an attempt on the life of Boda Boda rider Abigaba Mugisha on August 3, 2024, in Kitooro zone, Entebbe, Wakiso District.
During his appearance before the Entebbe Grade One Magistrate’s Court, Rev. Fr. Alinga remained calm as the charges were read out. However, he was unable to enter a plea, as the charges are of a capital nature and fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The prosecution alleges that Rev. Fr. Alinga, acting with malice aforethought, unlawfully murdered John Bosco Ngorok. Furthermore, he is accused of attempting to kill Abigaba Mugisha, who was trying to rush the deceased to Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital for emergency care.
The court, citing sections 171, 172, and 187 of the Penal Code Cap 128, acknowledged its lack of jurisdiction over such capital offences and remanded the accused to Kigo prison. The presiding magistrate stated, “These are capital offences, and this court does not have the jurisdiction to hear them. You are hereby remanded until August 26th for further mention of the case.”
Rev. Fr. Alinga’s defence lawyer, Edward Bamulutira, urged the prosecution to expedite its investigations and move quickly to commit the case to the High Court for trial. The prosecution assured the court that preparations were underway to complete the committal papers for the case’s transfer to the High Court.
