A suspended Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Dominic Alinga, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after admitting to the murder of former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officer John Bosco Ngorok and the attempted murder of Moses Abigaba.
The sentence was handed down by the High Court in Entebbe on Friday, a day after Alinga pleaded guilty to both charges before Justice Flavia Nabakooza.
Alinga, who previously served at Iriiri Parish in Napak District, was charged in October 2024 over the fatal attack on Ngorok and the attempted killing of Abigaba.
The court heard that the crimes occurred on 2 August 2024 after Alinga suspected that Ngorok had revealed information that led to his suspension from the priesthood. Believing Ngorok was responsible for his troubles, Alinga invited him to a meeting.
According to the prosecution, the two were travelling towards Entebbe when Alinga attacked Ngorok, repeatedly stabbing him. As Ngorok tried to escape and seek help with the assistance of Abigaba, Alinga allegedly rammed both men with his vehicle before fleeing.
Ngorok, 30, later died from the injuries he sustained during the attack.
Chief State Attorney Jacquelyn Okui told court that Alinga later attempted to destroy evidence before escaping to Tororo. While there, he reportedly confessed to another Catholic priest before surrendering to the police.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said Alinga formally admitted the charges when he appeared in court on 23 July 2026, leading to his conviction without a full trial.
Justice Nabakooza sentenced him to 21 years’ imprisonment for murder and 10 years for attempted murder. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve both at the same time. The court also ordered compensation to be paid to Moses Abigaba for the injuries he suffered.
