Private Abraham Engwedu, a 44-year-old soldier, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison by the court martial in Moroto district for desertion. The verdict was delivered by Col Francis Kateraho, and Engwedu is set to serve his sentence in Moroto government prisons.
According to court records, Engwedu, formerly serving in the 19th infantry battalion, went absent without leave while armed from his unit in November 2006 at Matany detach, Napak district. He remained at his residence in Kalaki district until his apprehension, during which government stores were recovered by security forces.
During the same court session spanning three days, Private Stephen Jarili, stationed at 3rd Division headquarters and attached to the Mount Elgon Conservation Area under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), was dismissed with disgrace. Jarili, who had been granted a 14-day leave pass from his duty station in Mbale on September 4, 2017, failed to report back until February 23, 2023, leading to an extended absence classified as absent without official leave (AWOL).
Both Engwedu and Jarili pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. In delivering the verdict, Col Francis Kateraho, the chairman of the 3rd division court martial, stressed the seriousness of desertion offenses and the need for stringent consequences to deter potential future offenders.
Col Kateraho emphasized the military’s firm stance against desertion, emphasizing the substantial investment in personnel training and discipline. The court granted a 14-day window for either party to appeal the judgment if they wish to contest the verdict.
He added that the sentencing of Private Engwedu and the dismissal of Private Jarili underscore the UPDF’s commitment to maintaining discipline and accountability within its ranks.
According to him, such measures aim to uphold the integrity of the military and ensure adherence to established rules and regulations governing service in the Ugandan armed forces.
The court provided a 14-day window for appeal should either party wish to contest the judgment and added that this verdict underscores the seriousness with which the UPDF addresses cases of desertion and emphasizes the importance of adherence to military discipline and regulations.
