Emmanuel Wilson Abura : “Police Officer Jailed 50 Years for Strangling Colleague’s Child”

Police Officer Sentenced to 50 Years for Murder of 9-Year-Old Girl

A 48-year-old police officer, Inspector Emmanuel Wilson Abura, has been handed a 50-year prison sentence for the murder of a 9-year-old girl, Patience Namawejje. The tragic incident took place at the Naalya Housing Estates in Wakiso District, Uganda.

Namawejje, who was the niece of Abura’s colleague, Corporal Joel Mwonda, was found strangled to death on November 6, 2021. The prosecution argued that Abura acted with malice aforethought in causing the young girl’s death.

Chilling Testimonies Unveiled in Court

During the trial, chilling testimonies were revealed that painted a damning picture of the events leading to Namawejje’s death. The deceased’s mother recounted the heart-wrenching moment when she returned home to find her child hanging from a curtain nail inside the door. Suspicion immediately fell upon Abura, with whom they shared a residence.

Despite pleading not guilty, Abura’s attempt to provide an alibi was discredited by his own recorded police statement. The evidence presented during the trial left no room for doubt in the minds of the court.

Verdict and Sentencing

On April 29, 2024, the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala, presided over by Justice Margaret Mutonyi, delivered a guilty verdict against Abura for the murder of Namawejje. Subsequently, on May 8, 2024, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

This lengthy sentence means that Abura may spend the rest of his life behind bars, with a slim possibility of release in 2073, at the age of 97, provided he maintains good health.

Impact on the Ugandan Police Force

This harrowing incident has sparked significant concerns within the Ugandan police force regarding domestic violence. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) emphasized the commitment of the country’s legal system to uphold justice and accountability, irrespective of rank or affiliation.

The conviction of a senior police officer sends a powerful message that impunity will not be tolerated, and perpetrators of heinous crimes will face the full consequences of the law.