A 29year-old soldier in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has admitted to failing to protect war materials, a charge that carries a potential death penalty. Private Fred Wandera confessed to the charge on Monday, July 22, at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala.
Private Fred Wandera, identified by his service number RA/283658, pleaded guilty to the charge before the GCM chairman, Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe. The charge against him falls under Sections 120 (1) (2) (e) of the UPDF Act, Cap 330, which outlines severe penalties for such offenses.
According to the prosecution, led by Captain Alex Rasto Mukhwana, Wandera serves with the Military Police Brigade Headquarters, specifically the 105 MP Battalion. The charge stems from an incident on November 28, 2023, when Wandera lost a bolt carrier and firing pin from his SMG rifle, serial number 56-1-5551972.
Upon hearing the particulars of the offense, Gen. Mugabe entered a plea of guilty and remanded Wandera to the Makindye Military Police Quarter Guard. The case has been adjourned until July 29, 2024, when the prosecution will present brief facts.
Wandera’s defense team, comprising Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Lt. Resty Mutebi Nagane, and Lt. Daniel Kagombe, did not object to the adjournment.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Private Fred Wandera (RA/283658) |
| Charge | Failure to protect war materials |
| Prosecutor | Captain Alex Rasto Mukhwana |
| Defense Lawyers | Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Lt. Resty Mutebi Nagane, Lt. Daniel Kagombe |
| Court | General Court Martial, Makindye, Kampala |
| Incident Date | November 28, 2023 |
| Next Court Date | July 29, 2024 |
| Potential Penalty | Death |
