The division court martial sitting in Kitgum district has dismissed with disgrace four soldiers captured on video flogging a suspected thief.
Five soldiers including Cpl Odong Richard Burton, Pte Omara Martine Henry, Pte Mongu Acel Sunday, Pte Ogwang Denish and Pte Omara Morish were charged with torturing and causing harm to a civilian, Omon Nelson on December, 11, 2023 contrary to Section 312(d) and 5(k) of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2012.
According to the deputy UPDF spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki, the court chaired by Col Ismail Sendagire found four of the five soldiers guilty and consequently sentenced them.
“The court tried the case and sentenced the four soldiers to one year imprisonment in Lira government prison but also dismissed all of them from the defence forces with disgrace,” Col Akiiki said.
Those found guilty and dismissed include Cpl Odong Otto Richard, Pte Sunday Mugu, Pte Henry Martin Omara and Pte Dennis Ogwang.
He however noted that one of the five soldiers, Pte Morris Omara was acquitted after being found innocent.
The soldiers were arrested following a leaked video that went viral earlier this week in which they were captured flogging a civilian with clubs and sticks.
It was said he was accused of stealing a motorcycle.
In the video, the civilian was heard pleading for mercy as he denied having stolen the said motorcycle and insisted it was a case of mistaken identity.
However, the tormentors never listened to the pleas as they continued to flog the suspect whose legs and hands had been tied.
The act has since attracted wide condemnation from members of the public.
The UPDF deputy spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki on Thursday said they cant condone such acts.
“In UPDF, we don’t have space for indiscipline, if you do anything bad, especially to wanainchi we take it seriously because our job is to protect the borders of this country, people and their property,” Col Akiiki said.
