Gulu City, Uganda – The 4th Division Court Martial, sitting in Gulu City, has convicted and sentenced RA/270603 Private (Pte) Okumu Owen, aged 27, to 52 years imprisonment for negligence of duty in handling war materials, a violation of the UPDF Act Chapter 330.
On December 30, 2023, while on foot patrol in Gulu City, Pte Okumu Owen, armed with SMG number 56-48000707 and 120 rounds of ammunition, deviated from his squad and entered a local pub. He consumed alcohol and fell asleep, leaving his weapon and ammunition unattended.
At around 0300hrs, he was found, but his weapon and ammunition were missing.
Prosecutor Captain Augustine Tumwebaze argued for a severe sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the continued absence of the missing weapon and ammunition.
Court Chairman Colonel Innocent Tukashaba, in delivering the sentence, highlighted the serious nature of the crime and the potential harm that could arise from the loss of the weapon. He sentenced Pte Okumu Owen to 52 years in government prison.
In a separate case, RA/269610 Pte Asio Dauglus, aged 29, was dismissed with disgrace for violating the UPDF Act. In January 2023, Pte Asio Douglas obtained a two-week compassionate leave but failed to return to duty. He was declared AWOL in October 2023 and only returned on June 23, 2024, likely motivated by the news of salary enhancements for soldiers.
Colonel Tukashaba emphasized the importance of discipline and sacrifice in the UPDF, and the consequences of failing to adhere to these principles. Pte Asio Douglas was marched out of the 4th Division Quarter Guard by hundreds of soldiers, symbolizing his dismissal with disgrace.
