The Homicide Department of CID in Masindi district, is holding one Cherotic Betty, a 31-year-old teacher and mother, in connection to the brutal murder of Dr. Abiriga Jino, the District Health Officer of the district.
Dr. Abiriga Jino, 58, was found dead on the night of January 7, 2024, at Kijura cell in central division, Masindi municipality.
Investigation details reveal that on the morning of January 7, Dr. Jino left his home to attend a friend’s wedding. His driver dropped him home around 9 pm after the wedding, and by 10 pm, he and his wife retired to sleep in their double-roomed house, while their children slept in separate units within the fenced compound. Thechildren included Aseru Angela (17), Cherotic Maureen (14), Cheprotich Kenneth (11), Afakoru Jackline (12), and Arinaitwe Desire (8).
Fred Enanga, the Uganda police spokesperson says Dr. Jino’s lifeless body was later discovered with a deep neck cut and multiple injuries, including cuts on the head and hand, dumped 50 meters away from his residence. He explains that upon searching the premises, investigators found suspected blood stains on the bedroom walls and under the marital bed.
He further reveals that while Cherotic claims her husband was called to perform an operation and did not return, no evidence supports her statement. She instead attributes the blood stains in their bedroom to her menstrual cycle, a claim that investigators are scrutinizing.
“Although the wife claims that the victim was called on phone by someone, to go and carry out an operation on a patient and never returned home, there is no evidence yet supporting her claim. No matter how well, a cover up is made surrounding the heinous act, we will uncover the truth.” he said
Enanga says forensic experts have collected blood samples and other evidence for analysis to determine whether the murder occurred in the victim’s house or elsewhere, with the body subsequently dumped near his home.