Abalo jailed for criminal trespass at Chief Justice’s home

Agago, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lillian Abalo Ongom, the president of the Mother’s Union in East Acholi has earned herself an eight month’s jail term in Patongo prison in Agago district for criminal trespass. She appeared Wednesday before the Grade One Magistrate in Patongo, Emmanuel Drajole where she was charged with criminal tress in the home of the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo.

The magistrate’s court heard that on the evening of Monday, July 18th, Abalo was found planting charms in the home of her brother-in-law, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo. She was arrested by security that was guarding the Chief Justice’s home in Aloi village, Patongo town council in Agago district.

Pictures of Abalo sitting on a wooden bench with liquid in a plastic bottle, which she was reportedly planting along with other charms in Dollo’s home that is still under construction started circulating on Tuesday morning. She was charged with criminal trespass vide SD Ref. 02/19/07/2022 at Patongo CPS. Abalo pleaded guilty to the charges while appearing in court on Wednesday. Delivering his sentence, Drajole noted that Abalo’s conduct has no place in today’s world.

“The conduct was barbaric and has no place in modern society. This is also to send a message to others who might want to commit a similar offense,” Dragole said. Prior to her court appearance, Abalo told Uganda Radio Network that she was approached by one charcoal dealer commonly known as Atic, who is a friend to both her and the Chief Justice that he knew someone who could give her charms so that she reconciles with the Chief Justice. According to Abalo, she and the Chief justice have not been talking since 2012 due to a fight over some property.

Abalo agreed that she indeed went with Atic to plant the charms, which comprised of some sticks and the liquid but they were intercepted and arrested by security, which released her accomplice. She argues that she was set up because Atic was let go and the place is always unguarded.

Abalo later revealed that she would appeal the conviction on the grounds that she is a widow with children who need her and ill health that needs medication. Abalo ran for the Agago woman parliamentary seat in the last polls, is the Presidential Advisor and the incumbent vice chairperson of NRM Women’s League in Northern Uganda.

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