Lira, Uganda – The High Court in Lira has sentenced Thomas Odongo, also known as Tonny, to 22 years in prison for the murder of his brother Cipiryano Arim, whom he fatally struck during a land dispute in 2019.
The tragic incident occurred on August 27, 2019, in Awobeodee village, Kole District. Odongo was initially charged with murder and pleaded not guilty when the hearing began. However, he later changed his plea to guilty after his wife testified in court that she had attempted to stop him from attacking his brother, but he ignored her.
The Resident State Attorney, Jonathan Okello, asked the court to impose an 18-year sentence as a strong message to communities in Lango, where fatal land disputes among relatives have become increasingly common.
In defense, Samuel Odyek, Odongo’s lawyer, appealed for a more lenient 10-year sentence, citing his client’s remorse, cooperation with the court, and role as the family’s sole breadwinner.
Odongo also pleaded for leniency, telling the court that his mother is disabled and his only surviving brother is blind.
Presiding over the case, Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala of the Lira High Court sentenced Odongo to 22 years in prison. However, she deducted the 5 years, 10 months, and 24 days he had already spent on remand. As a result, Odongo will serve 16 years, 1 month, and 6 days behind bars.
Justice Kalibbala emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need to deter similar acts within families over land disputes.
