The UPDF 01 Special Command Group Court Martial of the Special Forces Command (SFC) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, has issued a severe sentence to one of its soldiers. Julius Ecee, bearing service number RA/239288 and attached to the Artillery Regiment at Weza, Kawaweta in Nakaseke district, has been found guilty of murder and aggravated robbery. The court has sentenced him to life imprisonment for the murder charge and an additional 40 years for aggravated robbery.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) is a specialized unit tasked with protecting the President of Uganda and key national installations. Despite their prestigious role, one of their own, Julius Ecee, faced grave accusations. The prosecution alleged that on December 26, 2023, at Loro Town Council in Oyam district, Ecee committed murder with premeditation, resulting in the death of Isaac Okola Kizito. Additionally, he was charged with robbing Lilly Obote of 65,000 shillings in the same location at the same time.
The trial, taking place over three days, took place at Loro Town Council, where the crimes occurred. Presided over by Lt. Col. Moses Nabasa, the court heard testimonies from 16 witnesses presented by the prosecution.
Throughout the trial, Ecee, adorned in army green military attire and desert boots, maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to both charges. However, the court, after careful consideration, found him guilty on both counts.
In defence, Lt. Hirald Rugyendo passionately argued for his client’s innocence, emphasizing Ecee’s status as a first-time offender with a young family who could potentially contribute positively to society if given the chance. On the other hand, Prosecution Counsel Lt. David Basiima adamantly pushed for Ecee’s conviction, citing substantial evidence proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Considering the severity of the crimes and the lack of remorse displayed by Ecee, the court handed down its verdict. Ecee was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 40 years for aggravated robbery, with the sentences to be served concurrently. The court’s chairperson, Nabasa, read out the sentence.
Following the pronouncement of the sentence, Ecee was escorted out of the court premises by heavily armed SFC personnel. He was instructed to remove his desert boots and was then led to a waiting van with a private number plate, surrounded by onlookers from the community.
The court specified that Ecee would serve his life sentence at Luzira Maximum Prison in Kampala, ensuring that he is held accountable for his actions according to the law.
