On April 15, 2024, a soldier from the Artillery Regiment of the Special Forces Command (SFC) found himself at the center of a military court trial, facing charges of murder and aggravated robbery. No RA/239288 PTE Julius Ecee, stationed at the SFC in Kaweweta, Uganda Special Forces School in Nakaseke district, entered a plea of not guilty to both charges.
The trial, held by the 01 Special Forces Group Division Court Martial at Loro town council in Oyam district, is chaired by Lt Col Moses Nabasa. Lt David Basiima leads the prosecution, with defense counsel provided by Lt Hilary Rugyendo, and the judge advocate being Capt. Hassan Mulyanti.
The accused soldier stands accused of murder under sections 128 and 129 of chapter 120 of the Penal Code Act, as well as aggravated robbery under Section 286 sub-section 2 of the Penal Code Act.
According to the prosecution’s case, on December 26, 2023, the accused, dressed in military attire, entered a hardware shop in Loro town council owned by Robert Obote. During the incident, the accused allegedly demanded money from the shop attendant, resulting in the injury of three individuals and the death of one victim, Isaac Okola Kizito.
Testimonies from witnesses presented during the trial shed light on the events of the incident. One witness, Innocent Obwol, recounted seeing the accused in military uniform on a motorcycle near the hardware shop. Gunshots were heard in the vicinity, leading witnesses to flee the area for safety.
Another prosecution witness, Ayo, claimed to have recovered military equipment and ammunition from the accused’s residence, indicating possible involvement in the incident. Additionally, Sgt James Oyat presented a video recording purportedly showing the accused confessing to the crime, although the defense objected, alleging the confession was obtained under duress.
Expert testimony from Emmanuel Kibuuka, a forensic expert, provided further evidence linking the recovered firearm and ammunition to the crime scene. Kibuuka concluded that the firearm presented could have discharged the cartridges recovered from the scene of the incident.
The trial was adjourned for further hearing, with proceedings set to resume on the following day.
