Police in Tororo District have arrested Dominic Alinga, a priest attached to Iriiri Catholic Parish in Napak District, in connection with the murder of John Bosco Ngorok, a Uganda Revenue Authority official. The arrest took place as Alinga attempted to cross into Kenya.
The murder occurred on August 3rd at around 1:00 a.m. along the road from Kitoro to Entebbe International Airport. Ngorok, 30, was found with fatal stab wounds to his neck and head.
Despite being rushed to Grade B Hospital, he was pronounced dead within 30 minutes.
Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of Alinga, noting that the priest was detained in Tororo.
Preliminary reports suggest that Alinga had been suspended from his church over allegations of stealing offertories worth 6 million shillings.
Police are investigating whether this suspension is related to the murder.
Joseph Aaron Yoyo, the Nakapiripirit District Vice Chairperson, identified Ngorok as a resident of Karinga Village in Moruita Sub-county.
Yoyo described the victim and Alinga as close friends who served together at Nakapiripirit Catholic Church.
Alinga had previously served at Nakapiripirit before being transferred to Iriiri Catholic Parish.
The community is in shock over the incident, particularly given the close relationship between the suspect and the victim.
Yoyo expressed concern over the delay in solving the case and the distress it has caused the residents.
A recorded statement from Alinga, circulated on social media, details his version of events.
In the recording, Alinga admits to meeting Ngorok in Entebbe for a money transaction related to land.
Alinga claimed that he noticed the money Ngorok had was counterfeit, leading to an argument.
He alleged that Ngorok became aggressive, threatening him with a knife inside a shared car.
According to Alinga, he was attacked and, in the struggle, Ngorok ended up stabbing himself.
Alinga maintains his innocence, asserting that he acted in self-defense.
The police continue to investigate the incident and will bring Alinga before the court to face charges.
English 