Killed: Wilfred Olila. PHOTO/FILE/COURTESY
Health workers and friends of Dr Wilfred Olila, a senior surgeon murdered by unknown assailants, shared the final moments of his life.
Dr Olila,73, a renowned ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, was tragically killed on January 18, 2025.
In the morning of January 17, last Friday, Dr Olila left his home in Junior Quarters, Lira City West Division, and headed to his New Moroto Clinic.
“He was in a jolly mood,” said Mr Calvin Ogwal, a nurse at the clinic, who left the doctor around 9am to attend a meeting at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. He would later realise that this would be their final interaction.
Mr Ronald Odongo, a neighbour, recalled Dr Olila as being in good spirits last Friday.
“He was cracking jokes and making people laugh,” he said, having spent the morning playing omweso, a traditional board game, with locals outside the clinic.
Around lunchtime, Dr Olila returned home for a meal with his family before returning to the clinic at 3pm.
As Mr Ogwal resumed his duties at the clinic, he noticed Dr Olila continuing his game of omweso with others.
“Since we had booked a patient for an operation the next day, I set the equipment while the doctor was playing omweso with other people in front of the clinic,” he recalled.
Mr Thomas Iduny also shared how he found his brother, Dr Olila, seated with other people in front of the clinic last Friday at around 6pm.
At 7pm, the doctor sent Mr Ogwal to buy an insecticide-treated bed net for a client. When Mr Ogwal returned, the cleaner informed him that Dr Olila had stepped out briefly, promising to return soon. Unbeknownst to those at the clinic, the doctor had already left for St Lira Hotel, about 700 metres away.
A boda boda rider, known only as Ajep, took Dr Olila to the hotel. The boda boda cyclist told his colleagues that in the middle of the short journey, the doctor received two phone calls. He was telling the callers that “I’m on my way. Exercise some patience”.
On arrival at St Lira Hotel, the boda boda rider and the doctor found nobody there, and the place looked deserted. The doctor then asked the rider to leave him at the hotel gate as he waited to meet the people or person who had contacted him on the phone.
The boda boda rider noted that Dr Olila gave him Shs2,000 for the ride, though he had initially planned to pay just Shs1,000.
At home, Dr Olila’s family grew concerned as they couldn't reach him by phone. “I tried calling him, but his phone was switched off,” Mr Ogwal said.
Dr Olila’s daughters, Dr Ayugi and Ms Angella Aywera, searched the city for him.
Tragically, Dr Olila’s body was discovered on January 18 on Otuboi-Abalanga Road in Kalaki District. According to East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, Ms Damalie Nachuha, the body showed signs of severe violence.
“His hands and legs were tied, and dry blood covered his face. A blood-soaked bandage around his head indicated severe trauma,” she explained.
Police from Otuboi Police Station responded around 9:50pm, and the body was taken for a post-mortem examination. While investigations continue under CRB023/2025, no suspects have been arrested.
Police have appealed to the public for information to aid in the investigation.
Dr Olila’s death has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of professionals in Uganda. Friends and colleagues mourn the loss of a dedicated doctor and academic who contributed greatly to medicine and education.
Mr Moses Okwir, a boda boda cyclist near the clinic, remembered the late doctor fondly.
“He was a very good man who never had a grudge with anybody,” Mr Okwir said, recalling how Dr Olila had advised local boda boda riders to plant trees and rear cattle for their children’s education.
He added that Ajep, the last rider to transport Dr Olila, is now in custody assisting the police with their inquiries.
“When he learnt that the doctor had been killed, he came to us and narrated his last encounter with him,” he said.
Dr Olila’s nephew, Mr Kizito Ayo, described him as a man without enemies.
He added: “Three weeks ago, he told me that he wanted to send money for treating his cattle in Pader District, where he hired two people to look after them. He did not have any grudge with anybody, that is why it is very confusing.”
The President of Uganda Medical Association, Dr Herbert Luswata, said: “This act of brutality against health workers is a grave injustice. We demand respect and protection for our noble profession.”
About Dr Olila
Dr Wilfred Olila’s career spanned decades in clinical practice, academia, and private healthcare initiatives. He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University in 1984 and a Master’s degree in Otorhinolaryngology in 2008.
Known for his dedication to mentorship, he played a pivotal role in training future medical professionals.
He leaves behind a wife and 12 children. Dr Olila will be buried at his ancestral home in Wigweng Village in Lira District, this Saturday.
