The 5th Division Court Martial in Agago district in northern Uganda has handed down sentences to three UPDF soldiers for separate crimes.
Private Mukanja Micheal attached to the 79th Battalion was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Omol Justine. The court heard that on May 31, 2023, Mukanja shot and killed Justine during a disagreement over a football match at Kokil trading centre around 5pm.
The court martial, chaired by Colonel Ismail Ssendagire, also sentenced Private Okello George of the 81st Battalion to 30 years imprisonment for the attempted murder of Odwel John. On August 27, 2023, Okello shot and injured John following a disagreement in Lira Kato sub-county in Agago district. John is still receiving treatment at Lacor hospital.
In the same session, Private Ssekaja Ivan was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for failure to protect war material.
The 5th Division spokesperson Major Flavia Terimulungi said the UPDF will continue to uphold its values and does not tolerate actions by soldiers against civilians they are meant to protect. Colonel Ssendagire reiterated the army’s stance against such acts.