UPDF Court Martial Tries Officers For Cowardice On Mission In Somalia

By Ivan Kaahwa

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ (UPDF) General Court Martial (GCM) Chairman, Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe, is in Mogadishu, Somalia, at Sector One Contingent headquarters, trying two UPDF officers at the rank of Major, accused of committing capital offenses. The officers, Major Steven Oluka and Major Zadock Obor, are charged with two counts of cowardice while in action and offenses by persons in command when in action.

It is alleged that between the 25th and 27th of May 2023, while commanding companies in Bulomarer and Golweyne, the officers did not encourage their subordinates to fight courageously after engaging with Al-Shabaab. These offenses contravene sections 120(1)(2)(a) and 228(1)(b) of the UPDF Act 2005, which criminalize cowardice in action and other offenses committed while in action.

Other cases under trial include failure to protect war materials, punishable under section 122(1)(2)(h) of the UPDF Act, involving four Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe noted that the court proceedings are taking place at Basecamp-Mogadishu to facilitate access to witnesses, most of whom were in the mission area.

He further clarified that the General Court Martial has jurisdiction to try cases anywhere in and outside Uganda where UPDF is operating. He emphasized that the UPDF Act of 2005 allows the General Court Martial to handle cases that are capital in nature.

Under the signed agreement with Somalia, the UPDF or any other contributing country has the discretion to try their personnel while in the mission area. According to Brigadier General Robert, judgments will depend on the circumstances under which the offenses were committed and the evidence presented in court.

The court will convene in Somalia for two weeks, and those found guilty will be sentenced, while the innocent will be acquitted.

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