Soldiers Accused of Torture Arraigned Before Media, GISO and LCIII Detained

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on Wednesday evening arraigned before the media the military personnel who are alleged to have tortured a suspected motorcycle thief, Omon Nelson, at Lagon village Police outpost, Pajong Parish in Mucwini Sub-county, Kitgum district.

Col Akiiki Deo, the Defence Deputy Spokesperson, said the arrested are; Cpl Odong Otto Richard Burton (the detach commander), Private Omara Martin Henry, Private Omara Morris, Private Ogwang Dennis and Obonyo Simon (the GISO Mucwini Subcounty).

Col Akiiki added that the arrested would be arraigned before the Field Martial Court at the UPDF 505 Division, Pajimo this Thursday, 14th December, 2023.

Meanwhile, the LCIII Chairperson of Mucwini Sub-county, Hon Ongee Christopher, has also been arrested and is detained at Kitgum Central Police Station over the same matter.

In a statement released earlier, the Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulaigye, condemned the act as heinous.

“The UPDF condemns mob justice, whether by civilians or soldiers. No one has a right to administer such punishment as corporal punishment and any form of torture are unconstitutional in the laws of Uganda,” he said.

He added: “The laws provide a clear procedure guiding the arrest/detention of suspects. We shall continue to ensure strict observance of the rule of law.”