Three suspects have pleaded guilty to the murder of Dr. Jino Abiriga, the former Acting District Health Officer of Masindi, in a case that has gripped the community with shocking revelations of betrayal and premeditation.
The accused – Betty Cherotich (31), Martin Kipsang (42), and Joshua Namurenge (36) – appeared before Masindi High Court on Thursday afternoon under heavy police and prison guard escort. Justice Mary Babira remanded the trio to prison until September 22, 2025, when sentencing is scheduled.
Dr. Abiriga was brutally killed on January 7, 2024, at his home in Kijura North, Central Division, Masindi Municipality. His body was discovered about 50 meters from his residence, bearing deep wounds to the neck and abdomen.
According to prosecutors, investigations revealed that the killing was orchestrated by Cherotich, the widow of the deceased, who allegedly hired contract killers after a series of domestic disputes. Police findings indicated that marital discord, jealousy, and accusations of infidelity were at the center of the plot.
“The motive was rooted in marital conflict and suspicions of infidelity,” state prosecutor Chartte Nanaziri told court, citing evidence that Cherotich first attempted to target another woman linked to her husband before turning her focus on Dr. Abiriga himself.
Prosecution narrated that Cherotich hired Kipsang for UGX 2.5 million, later involving Namurenge when initial attempts failed. On the night of January 6, 2024, she allegedly left the family gate and bedroom door open, enabling the assailants to enter. Armed with golf sticks and a hand hoe, the men attacked the doctor as he slept, fatally bludgeoning and slitting his throat.
The suspects are said to have cleaned the crime scene, dressed the deceased in fresh clothes, and dumped the body outside the gate. Police later recovered key forensic exhibits, including bloodstained clothes and personal items belonging to Dr. Abiriga, from a pit latrine at Valentine’s Guest House in Masindi.
The trio will be sentenced on September 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Masindi High Court.