Lira, Uganda – Lango sub-region is united in mourning as hundreds of mourners gathered at Lira Cathedral on Friday, January 24, 2025, for the requiem mass of the late Dr. Wilfred Olila, a renowned ENT specialist and lecturer at Soroti University.
His life was tragically cut short following his brutal murder, with his body discovered tied and mutilated in Kalaki District on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
The somber mass drew dignitaries, clergy, colleagues, and members of Dr. Olila’s Okii-raki Okwero Cobo clan, all paying tribute to a man remembered as a beacon of hope and service.
The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira City, Lawrence Egole, assured mourners of the government’s commitment to justice.
In his detailed speech, Egole confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with Dr. Olila’s murder and provided an update on the ongoing investigations.
“The Uganda Police Force, UPDF, and other agencies, including private investigators, are diligently working to establish the motive and ensure those responsible face the full extent of the law,” Egole declared.
Egole described the murder as a heinous crime that shocked the nation, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens, especially professionals in vital sectors.
The RCC urged the public to remain vigilant and work with security agencies to report any suspicious activities.
In a powerful speech, Alfred Ogwal, (Nephew to the late Dr. Wilfred Olila), spoke of the deep sorrow felt by the clan but urged the community to seek justice without resorting to violence. He referenced a Bible verse Romans 12:19 that deeply resonated with the mourners.
Alfred emphasized that while the murder of Dr. Olila was an unimaginable tragedy, the response should be rooted in faith and forgiveness.
“We are in pain. We have lost a mentor, a colleague, a friend,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “But we must remember that God’s justice will prevail. Our duty now is to ensure that no one else suffers in the same way, and we must pray for those who are lost in their hearts.”
He went on to appeal to the community, urging them not to seek revenge but to trust in the law to bring justice.
“Let us work together, not with hatred, but with faith in justice,” Alfred concluded, drawing nods of agreement from the gathered mourners.
Clan chief of Okii-raki Okwero Cobo Shaban Alunga also addressed the mourners, recalling the tragic discovery of Dr. Olila’s body along the Otuboi-Abalanga road in Kalaki District.
Alunga spoke with reverence for Olila’s work, describing him as a dedicated medical professional and a kind-hearted family man.
“We are deeply wounded as a family and as a clan,” Alunga said. “But even in this pain, we choose to honor Dr. Olila’s life by remembering his contributions. His life was one of service, and we must continue his work by serving one another.”
Alunga encouraged the mourners to live by Dr. Olila’s example of dedication, compassion, and commitment to bettering the lives of others.
Dr. Olila’s illustrious career was highlighted during the mass. A graduate of Makerere University, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1984 and later a Master of Medicine in ENT in 2008, he made invaluable contributions to Uganda’s healthcare system.
At Lira Regional Referral Hospital and as a lecturer at Soroti University, Dr. Olila mentored countless young professionals and brought critical medical services to underserved communities.
The case, registered under CRB 023/2025 at Kalaki Central Police Station, has drawn nationwide attention. A postmortem conducted at Kaberamaido Hospital revealed the brutal nature of the murder, confirming suspicions of premeditation.
The RCC emphasized that all efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We understand the pain this loss has caused, and we assure you that justice will prevail,” Egole reiterated.
The requiem mass also served as a moment for reflection on broader issues, including professional safety and the need for robust community policing.
Dr. Olila leaves behind his widow, Rose Olila, and twelve children, who described him as a loving father and an inspiration to his family.
Following the mass, his body was transported to his ancestral home in Agweng, Lira District, where he will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
