Four Soldiers Sentenced for SOP Breach, 14 Civilians Remanded for Military Gear Possession

#IvanKaahwaReport

The 5th Infantry Division Court Martial, sitting in Pader District and presided over by Col. Peter Musherure, has sentenced Private Odeyeka Bernard, aged 31 and a member of the 103rd Battalion, to two years in prison. Odeyeka is accused of failing to protect war material, in violation of Section 120(1) and 1(2) of Cap 330 of the UPDF Act. Private Bernard pleaded guilty to the charges.

He was convicted alongside Lance Corporal Isiko William, Private Niwasasira Denis, and Private Ogwari Charles on similar counts of failing to safeguard military assets.

The facts surrounding the case reveal that Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, laid down Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) requiring soldiers to carry their weapons and pouches at all times.

These procedures were not followed by the junior officers, leading to their trial in the court-martial.

Section 221(4b) of the UPDF Act 2005 states that a sentence of imprisonment for two years or more imposed on any person subject to military law shall be deemed to include dismissal with disgrace from the Defence Forces, whether or not that specific punishment is passed by the Unit Disciplinary Committee or court martial.

In a related case, 14 civilians have been remanded by the same court on charges of unlawful possession of arms, ammunition, and other military gear under Section 159(1)(c) of Cap 330 of the UPDF Act. #IvanKaahwaReports