Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya has praised the swift response of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in addressing the case of soldiers involved in torturing a suspected thief in Kitgum.
Wangadya, along with her team, attended a tribunal hearing in Mbarara where they discussed 16 cases of alleged torture, emphasizing that military courts often deliver stern punishments. She clarified that the actions of the accused soldiers do not represent the overall behavior of the entire armed forces.
Charged with aggravated torture, the suspects, including Cpl Richard Burton Odong Otto, Pte Martin Henry Omara, Pte Morris Omara, Pte Dennis Ogwang, and Simon Obonyo, appeared before the Lower Division Court Martial. They were remanded to Kitgum Central Prison, and subsequently, four of them were dismissed from the army with disgrace after a public trial.
Deputy Defence Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki confirmed the soldiers’ dismissal, stating that one soldier received a one-year imprisonment sentence. Pte Moriah Omara was acquitted as charges against him were dropped.
Kitgum Resident District Commissioner Jimmy Sseggawa Ebil commended the court for its diligent work and for publicly demonstrating justice to the Ugandans.
