The 5 Division Court Martial chaired by Colonel Ismail Sendagire has dismissed with disgrace four soldiers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and sentenced one soldier to imprisonment for one year.
This follows their public trial that was held at Lagot Parish, Mucwini Sub-county, Kitgum district where they were charged with the torture of Omon Nelson on 11th December 2023.
“This court, therefore, hereby sentences you Cpl Odong Richard Burton, Pte Mongu Acel Sunday, Pte Ogwang Denish, and Pte Omara Martin Henry to dismissal with disgrace for the Defence Forces and imprisonment for one year at Uganda government prison Lira,” Col Sendagire said.
He added that Pte Omara Morish was acquitted after charges against him were dropped.
In his ruling, Col. Ssendagira said the convicts have the right to appeal within 14 days in the General Court Martial, Kampala.
On the other hand, A4-Private Omara Morris was acquitted of the allegation after he was found innocent.
The 505 Brigade Unit Disciplinary Court chaired by Lt Col ML Kigundu on Thursday first remanded the five soldiers to Kitgum Government Prison.
Meanwhile, the LCIII Chairperson of Mucwini Sub-county, Hon Ongee Christopher, and with his GISO, Obonyo Simon, are expected to be tried in the civil court over the same case.
The Resident District Commissioner Kitgum District, Ebil Jimmy Sseggawa, commended the Court for doing its work diligently and publicly showing justice to the Ugandans.
“Don’t fear that we’re taking away Lagot detach, instead we’re tightening the security for the good of our country,” the RDC added.
He urged the locals to collaborate with security agencies and advised them to desist from acts of injustice.
The Deputy Defence Spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki, urged the citizens to utilize the security to engage in productive economic activities especially Agriculture.
“You should use the peace and develop yourselves and our country, in general, to engage in government development programs like Parish development model, Operation Wealth Creation, among others,” said Col Akiiki.
The local community was happy with the judgement that was delivered by the UPDF 5 Division Court Martial.
The Court was attended by the 5 Division Deputy Commander, Col Gai Mpandwa, 505 Brigade Commander Col Patrick Opera, Kitgum District Internal Security Officer Simon, Kitgum District Local Leaders, Religious leaders and the local community.