(Kampala) – A 62 year old pastor from the Democratic Republic of Congo, David Elonga Baraka, appeared before the General Court Martial (GCM) in Kampala on Monday, November 11, 2024, to face charges related to the unlawful possession of military attire. The pastor, who resides in Ngezi village, Mbunya commune in Ituri Province, was charged with one count of unlawful possession of defence stores, a crime under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, Cap 330.
The prosecution alleges that on September 13, 2024, Pastor Baraka was found in possession of a pair of military digital camouflage uniforms, which are classified as gazetted defence stores. The event reportedly took place at Kyangwali Settlement Camp, located in Kikuube district, western Uganda. The prosecution has stated that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
Baraka, who denied committing the offence, was formally charged by Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe, the chairperson of the GCM. In response to the charges, the pastor entered a plea of not guilty, maintaining his innocence. The court, therefore, ordered his remand at Kitalya Government Prison pending his next court appearance scheduled for December 10, 2024.
The charge of unlawful possession of military equipment is serious, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if the accused is convicted. The court session on November 11 saw Baraka represented by defense attorneys Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa and Lieutenant Daniel Kagombe, while the prosecution was handled by Second Lieutenants Anthony Phillip Olupot and Regina Nanzala.
In the hearing, the GCM chairperson emphasized that the case was still under investigation and that further proceedings would be conducted in December. The defence team has yet to provide any evidence or arguments in response to the charge, and the court will reconvene to consider the progress of the investigation.
The case has drawn attention due to the unusual nature of the allegations, involving a religious leader from a neighboring country and a serious national security issue like the unlawful possession of military gear.
