The Soroti High Court has sentenced 23-year-old Joseph Akwar to 40 years in prison for the brutal murder of his father, Simon Akwaru, in a ruling that underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against domestic violence and rising murder cases in the region.
Delivering the sentence, Justice Boniface Wamala condemned the violent nature of the crime, noting that Akwar attacked his father with a sharp panga, inflicting multiple deep cuts on his head and leaving the weapon embedded in the victim’s skull.
The judge described the act as “cold-blooded and inhumane,” emphasizing that the punishment should serve as a deterrent to others.
“This court has observed with concern the growing number of murder cases arising from domestic misunderstandings,” Justice Wamala stated.
“The sentence imposed today should send a strong message that life is sacred and that violence within families will not be tolerated.”
The prosecution, led by Soroti Principal State Attorney Rachel Namaasi, had sought a 60-year jail term, arguing that the brutality of the murder warranted the maximum penalty.
Namaasi told court that the accused’s actions demonstrated “a complete disregard for human life” and that the community needed reassurance that such crimes would be met with firm justice.
During the proceedings, Akwar admitted to the killing in an extra-judicial statement, explaining that the fatal confrontation stemmed from deep-rooted family conflict.
He alleged that his father had forced him to abandon his education and was pressuring him to marry a girl who was still a student.
According to court records, the tragic incident occurred on October 25, 2021, in Obule Village, Kalaki District, when a heated argument between father and son turned deadly.
In the mitigation phase, Akwar broke down in tears, pleading for leniency and forgiveness from the court and his surviving family members.
He begged for a five-year sentence, saying he acted in a moment of anger and confusion.
However, the prosecution insisted that the gravity of the offense could not be minimized.
“The accused not only took a life but that of his own father, a person who brought him into this world,” Namaasi told court. “Such cruelty cannot be excused or treated lightly.”
In his final remarks, Justice Wamala acknowledged Akwar’s youth and remorse but maintained that the circumstances of the case required a strong custodial sentence.
He deducted time already spent on remand and handed down a 40-year sentence, effective immediately.
Speaking after the ruling, Joseph Odong, counsel for the convict, said his client and legal team accepted the court’s decision.
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