The High Court in Luwero has sentenced former Anglican cleric Rev. David Sekibaala to 12 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife, Deborah Nakalema, on November 8, 2020.
Justice Henrietta Wolayo delivered the sentence after Sekibaala, 62, confessed to the crime and opted for a plea bargain to secure a reduced sentence. The court heard that Sekibaala, who initially denied the charges, changed his plea when the prosecution—led by Chief Resident State Attorney Peace Bashabe—lined up key witnesses, including his own children, the local council chairman, and police detectives.
The incident occurred in Kavule Zone, Luwero Town Council. According to the prosecution, Sekibaala first strangled Nakalema, the headteacher of Kikamulo Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakaseke District, and then set her body on fire inside their home. After the gruesome act, Sekibaala fled to his brother’s house, where he reported his wife’s death and falsely blamed it on a bomb explosion.
Sekibaala was later apprehended and has been on remand at Nakasongola Prison since November 19, 2020. Justice Wolayo, while delivering the verdict, cited Sekibaala’s advanced age, remorse, and decision not to waste court time as mitigating factors. She ordered that the sentence be reduced by the time already spent on remand. Consequently, Sekibaala will serve an additional seven years and 11 months at Nakasongola Prison.
The court also heard that Sekibaala had a history of domestic violence and alcoholism. Before his retirement, he served as chaplain at Buzzibwera Secondary School but was forced to leave due to allegations of excessive drinking and repeated assaults on Nakalema.
