Dr. Abiriga killers plead guilty, convicted of murder
Armed with two hand hoes, they struck the victim on the head with the handle, dragged him to the floor, and then slit his throat.”
Masindi: The individuals responsible for the brutal murder of Dr. Jino Abiriga, the former Acting District Health Officer of Masindi, have pleaded guilty and been convicted of murder.
Appearing before Lady Justice Babirye Mary, the Resident Judge of the High Court in Masindi on Thursday evening, the three suspects Betty Cherotich, 31, wife of the deceased; Namureng Joshua,36, a builder from Tarobya Village in Bukwo District; and Kipsang Martin 31, a carpenter from Roruk Village, also in Bukwo District admitted to killing Dr. Abiriga and pleaded for forgiveness.
According to Masindi Resident State Attorney Naziri Charlotte, the trio unlawfully and brutally murdered Dr. Abiriga and dumped his body just a few meters from his home on the morning of January 7, 2024.
The state attorney explained that Cherotich began living with Dr. Abiriga as husband and wife in 2019. The murder plot was triggered after she discovered her husband was involved in a relationship with another woman identified as Atuhura Suzan, a resident of Masindi.
Cherotich initially attempted to have Atuhura killed. On December 11, 2023, she hired Kipsang Martin as a contract killer for UGX 2.5 million to eliminate Atuhura. A week later, on December 18, she sent him an advance payment of UGX 500,000 to carry out the attack. However, the plan failed when Atuhura did not appear at the anticipated location.
Following the failed attempt, Cherotich redirected her plan toward her husband. She instructed Kipsang to find an accomplice to help her carry out the murder. On December 12, 2023, Kipsang brought in Namureng Joshua, and together they began planning the killing of Dr. Abiriga.
On January 6, 2024, around midday, the two men checked into Valentine’s Guest House in Masindi. Later that night, Cherotich alerted them that her husband was deeply asleep.
“They found the gate open, and she led them into the bedroom,” Naziri told the court. “Armed with two hand hoes, they struck the victim on the head with the handle, dragged him to the floor, and then slit his throat.”
The next morning, on January 7, the two male suspects fled Masindi Municipality at 5:30 a.m., returning to Bukwo District. They had disposed of their bloodstained clothes in a pit latrine at the guest house where they had stayed.
Naziri said police conducted a thorough crime scene reconstruction and recovered critical exhibits, including; the deceased’s shoes, found in possession of the suspects, the suspects’ clothing worn during the murder.
The Resident State Attorney described the killing as violent and traumatic, not only for the family but also for the wider Masindi community.
“The deceased was a respected doctor who provided essential health services. His death has severely impacted the community,” Naziri said. “He was the family breadwinner, paid school fees for his children, and supported many dependents.”
She urged the court to issue a deterrent sentence to discourage others from committing similar crimes.
In defense, Ajok Harriet, the suspects’ lawyer, appealed to the court for a minimum sentence, citing the defendants’ guilty plea and lack of prior criminal records.
Lady Justice Babirye adjourned the case to September 22, 2025, when the final judgment and sentencing will be delivered.
Speaking after the court session, Syrus Akuma, the elder brother of the deceased, urged the court to consider a maximum sentence since the suspects had confessed.
“We have lost everything. Abiriga was the family’s breadwinner,” Akuma said.
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