Dr. Abiriga case among 86 to be heard at Masindi High Court

Masindi: The Masindi High Court will commence a criminal session on Monday, September 8, 2025, during which it will hear 86 criminal cases.

Among the most anticipated cases is Criminal Case No. 019-2024, involving the murder of Dr. Jino Abiriga, the former Acting District Health Officer (DHO) of Masindi.

The session will begin on Monday September 8, 2025, and will be presided over by Lady Justice Babirye Mary.

The cases to be heard include; aggravated defilement, aggravated robbery, trafficking in person, kidnapping, murder and aggravated homosexuality.

According to Juliet Nakitende, the Assistant Registrar at Masindi High Court, the cases to heard are 86 and these include; 33 aggravated defilement, 5 aggravated robberies, 3 trafficking in person, one kidnapping, 37 murder, one aggravated homosexuality, eight rape cases.

One of the most high-profile cases on the docket is Case No. 019-2024, involving the murder of Dr. Jino Abiriga, the former Acting District Health Officer (DHO) of Masindi.

Dr. Abiriga was allegedly murdered on January 14, 2024, in Kijura North Cell. The accused in the case include his wife, Betty Cherotich, along with Kipsang Martin and Joshua Namurenge.

Who was Dr. Abiriga?

Dr. Jino Abiriga was a dedicated Ugandan medical professional and civil servant who served Masindi District with commitment and distinction.

Born on March 9, 1971, in Maracha District, West Nile region, Dr. Abiriga’s life was marked by perseverance, public service, and a deep commitment to community health.

Early life and education

Abiriga began his education at Ofude Primary School in Tara Sub-county, Maracha District, attending P1 to P3 between 1976 and 1978. His education was interrupted due to the political instability during Idi Amin Dada’s regime, but he later resumed school, completing P4 and P5 at the same school in 1982–1983.

He then joined Kololo Primary School, where he completed P6 and P7 between 1984 and 1985, scoring five aggregates in his Primary Leaving Examinations.

For secondary education, Abiriga attended St. Joseph’s College Ombachi from 1986 to 1989 for O’Level, scoring 14 aggregates. He continued at the same school for A’Level studies from 1990 to 1992, specializing in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Subsidiary Mathematics (PCB/Sub-Math).

Medical training and career

Abiriga was admitted to Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) on a government sponsorship, where he pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from 1992 to 1997.

After completing his internship, he initially worked with St. Philip Otravu Catholic Chapel, and in 1999, he was recruited by the government and deployed to Masindi District General Hospital as a Medical Officer.

Service in Masindi

Dr. Abiriga began working with Masindi District Local Government on April 3, 1999, as a Medical Officer. He was promoted to Senior Medical Officer on November 14, 2008, and continued to serve at Masindi District General Hospital.

In recognition of his dedication, he was appointed Acting District Health Officer (DHO) on November 14, 2022, a role he held until his untimely death.

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