The General Court Martial has directed the immediate transfer of six Kenyan pastoralists from Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira to Naguru Remand Home after a medical report from Mulago Hospital’s radiology department confirmed they were underage. The individuals, part of a group of 32 Kenyan pastoralists, were sentenced to ten years imprisonment for possessing illegal firearms and ammunition in the Karamoja region.
The medical age assessment reports, presented by the convicts’ lawyer Jesse Soita, revealed that Lojorei Limeriana, Lokiru Lomukunyu, Lookor Lokwang, Lobuin Ekori Namude, Longatunyio Lokwang, and Kokole Moru were below 18 years old.
In April, the Third Division Court Martial in Moroto sentenced each of the 32 individuals to 10 years in prison for firearm and ammunition possession. The convicts are currently challenging the jurisdiction of the military court, asserting that they are civilians, and contesting the trial and sentencing of minors in an adult prison.
The prosecution, led by Lt Col Raphael Mugisa, requested an adjournment until March 12, 2024, to file their submissions on the appeal, a request granted by the court.
Prosecution maintains that on April 8, 2023, in Lokiryaout Village, Nadunget Sub-county in Moroto District, the convicts, lacking valid firearm certificates, were found in possession of twenty-eight SMG rifles and 801 rounds of live ammunition, items typically exclusive to the Defence Forces.
