KAMPALA, UGANDA – Four Ugandan soldiers have been sentenced to two years in prison for negligence in handling military equipment.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Court delivered the verdicts after finding Private Bernard Odyeka, 31, Lance Corporal William Isiko, Private Denis Niwasasira, and Private Charles Ogwari guilty of violating Section 120(1) 1(2) Cap 330 of the UPDF Act.
According to UPDF Deputy Spokesperson Col. Deo Asiimwe Akiiki, the soldiers failed to safeguard military assets, contravening Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division.
“The soldiers admitted to carelessness in handling the equipment,” Col. Akiiki said. “Pte Bernard Odyeka, a member of the 103 Battalion, acknowledged his guilt.”
In a separate ruling, 14 civilians were also sentenced to 24 months in prison for unlawful possession of arms, ammunition, and military gear, contrary to Section 159(1)c Cap 330 of the UPDF Act.
The civilians reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges.
The convictions come amid growing concerns over the proliferation of military gear among civilians, particularly in urban areas like Wakiso and Kampala.
Reports indicate that some individuals have used these items to set up illegal roadblocks, robbing motorists while disguised in military attire.
Hotspots for such incidents include Namusera along Hoima Road, Myanzi along Mubende Road, Kireka-Kyaliwajjala Road, and Nsangi on Masaka Road.
In some cases, soldiers themselves have been implicated in robberies.
The UPDF has collaborated with the police’s Crime Intelligence Directorate and Flying Squad Unit to apprehend offenders, utilizing both overt and covert personnel.
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