UPDF Soldier Sentenced to 30 Years for Manslaughter

BUNDIBUGYO – The 2nd division court martial chaired by Col Geoffrey Mujuni Rwamunyonyore sentenced a UPDF soldier to 30 years in prisonment for manslaughter.

The sentencing took place on Wednesday at Kirumya sub-county headquarters in Bundibugyo district.

According to the UPDF 2nd Division spokesperson, Capt Steven Tumwesigye, the accused, identified as Lt Col Sam Tumwebaze, was deployed at Kirumya detach but attached to mountain brigade a small unit under 2nd division manning districts of Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Fort Portal.

Prosecution heard that on October 31, 2018, Tumwebaze shot dead a civilian identified as Tibenda Bwambale during a disco dance in Kyapa trading centre in Bundibugyo.

Court heard that Tumwebaze’s intention was to disperse the people in the disco hall which and in the process discharged a  bullet which killed the deceased instantly.

The State was represented by Capt Frank Kijura Asiimwe and the accused was represented by Maj Gerald Bamwitirebye

Capt Tumwesigye encouraged civilians to report any of their indiscipline officers.

“As UPDF, we shall always follow any acts of indiscipline by our soldiers on civilians and bring them to a logical conclusion until we see justice prevailing because as the army we don’t condone crime nor impunity,” he said.