By George Emuron
Moroto
The 3rd Division Court Martial (DCM) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has sentenced a private, Abraham Engwedu to 35 years for desertion.
The court hearing that was held on Sunday, 21st, April 2024 at Moroto army barracks tried RA/200628 Private Engwedu Abraham, 44 years old and sentenced him to 35 years for desertion contrary to section 146 of the UPDF Act 07 of 2005.
According to Maj. Isaac Oware the 3rd, division Army spokesperson says the convict will serve the sentence in Moroto Government Prison.
“The court heard that Private Engwedu Abraham, formerly attached to the 19 Infantry Battalion, while armed, escaped from his unit in November 2006 in Matany detach, Napak district”, said Maj Oware.
Maj. Oware also added that the victim stayed at his home in Kalaki district until he was arrested and government stores recovered by the security team.
However the court which convened for three days also dismissed with disgrace from service RA/211981 Private Stephen Jarili of 3rd Division headquarters who was attached to Mount Elgon Conservation Area under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
“He requested and got a 14 days pass leave from his duty station in Mbale on 4th Sept 2017 and only reported back on 23rd February 2023, a period which rendered him Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). The duo was convicted to their own plea of guilt”, said Maj Oware.
He said while pronouncing the verdict, Colonel Francis Kateraho the 3 DCM Chairman noted that the sentence is to deter other would-be offenders. He stated that desertion being one of the service offences will not be tolerated since the force invests a lot of resources in training its personnel.
The court however gave them 14 days to appeal the sentence in case they are not satisfied with the judgement.
