Man jailed 35 years for killing NWSC employee
The court heard that the murder occurred on April 2, 2025, at about 3:00 am at Obutowelo B cell in Lira City West Division. The deceased was on his way to Lira Bus Park to board a taxi to Moyo district when he encountered the convict.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 10 witnesses. However, after being put on his defence, Otim changed his plea to guilty, leading to his conviction.
KAMPALA - The High Court in Lira has sentenced Innocent Otim to 35 years in prison for killing National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) employee, Natal Alaru.
Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibala handed down the sentence on April 28, 2026, after Otim pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard that the murder occurred on April 2, 2025, at about 3:00 am at Obutowelo B cell in Lira City West Division. The deceased was on his way to Lira Bus Park to board a taxi to Moyo district when he encountered the convict.
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Okello from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that Otim attacked Alaru with a panga, inflicting severe head injuries.
The victim was rushed by neighbours to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police investigations led to the recovery of a blood-stained panga from the convict’s residence. A report from the Government Analytical Laboratory later confirmed that the weapon was used in the attack.
Police also recovered two backpacks belonging to the deceased from an incomplete house near the suspect’s home. The items included clothes, a national identity card, a driving permit and ATM cards.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 10 witnesses. However, after being put on his defence, Otim changed his plea to guilty, leading to his conviction.
Alaru, who had recently secured employment with NWSC in Lira, leaves behind a widow and a one-and-a-half-year-old son.