LIRA – A resident of Awir Ward, Agulu Division in Apac District walked out of court a free man yesterday after a judge sentenced him to time already served for the manslaughter of his own daughter.
Okello Kemish appeared before Lira High Court Judge Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, where a murder charge was amended to manslaughter following a plea bargain with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Okello admitted in open court that he killed his daughter, Rachael Akello.
Court heard that Okello assaulted his daughter. When the girl later fell sick, instead of taking her to a hospital, Okello called a local nurse who put the child on a drip. The girl’s condition worsened, and she later died while still on the drip.
According to the original charge sheet, Okello caused the injuries that led to her sickness and eventual death.
Prosecution details revealed that immediately after realizing the girl was dead, Okello did not report the matter to police or health authorities. Instead, he hurriedly buried the child.
It was the speed and secrecy of the burial that alarmed members of the community, who then alerted local leaders and law enforcement, leading to Okello’s arrest and eventual remand.
Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala sentenced Okello to two years, three months, and 23 days imprisonment for manslaughter.
However, the court deducted the exact period Okello had already spent on remand — also two years, three months, and 23 days. As a result, Okello was released immediately after the judgment.
Before releasing him, Justice Birungi issued a strong caution to Okello, stating that the plea bargain had legally limited her sentencing options.
“The plea bargain tied my hands,” the judge said. “Had this matter proceeded to full trial, you would have received a much harsher punishment.”
The judge reminded Okello that a child’s life was lost and urged him to reflect on his actions.
Under Ugandan law, a plea bargain allows an accused person to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but courts often consider time served, remorse, and the circumstances of the offense.
