The High Court in Luwero has sentenced former Anglican cleric Rev David Sekibaala to 12 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Deborah Nakalema, which took place on November 8, 2020.
Justice Henrietta Wolayo handed down the sentence after Sekibaala, aged 62, admitted to the crime and entered a plea bargain for a reduced sentence. Initially, Sekibaala had denied the charges but changed his plea when the prosecution, led by Chief Resident State Attorney Peace Bashabe, presented key witnesses, including his children, the local council chairman, and police detectives.
The incident occurred in Kavule Zone, Luwero Town Council. The prosecution revealed that Sekibaala strangled Nakalema, who was the headteacher of Kikamulo Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakaseke District. He then set her body on fire inside their home. After committing the act, Sekibaala fled to his brother’s house, where he reported her death and falsely attributed it to a bomb explosion.
Sekibaala was arrested and held on remand at Nakasongola Prison since November 19, 2020. Justice Wolayo considered his advanced age, remorse, and decision to cooperate with the court as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced by the time he had already spent on remand, leaving him with seven years and 11 months to serve in Nakasongola Prison.
The court also heard that Sekibaala had a history of domestic violence and alcohol abuse. Before retiring, he served as a chaplain at Buzzibwera Secondary School but was forced to step down due to issues related to excessive drinking and repeated instances of assaulting Nakalema.