UPDF General Court-Martial Dismisses Two Senior Officers Over Cowardice

By Ivan Kaahwa

The UPDF General Court-Martial, seated in Mogadishu, Somalia, rendered a verdict against Maj. John Steven Oluka and Maj. Zadock Obor, sentencing them for cowardice and failure to safeguard war material.

The charges stemmed from their negligence in responding to intelligence warnings of an imminent Al-Shabaab attack on Bulomarer Forward Operating Base. The court found Oluka guilty of offenses by a person in command when in action, in violation of Section 128 (1) (b) of the UPDF Act of 2005.

Despite receiving briefings from an intelligence officer and the battalion commander, the officers failed to plan and prevent the Al-Shabaab assault, resulting in the tragic loss of over 50 soldiers. During the attack, they allegedly abandoned their troops, failing to instill courage, and fled to Golweyn Forward Operating Base.

Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe, presiding over the court-martial, emphasized that this act of retreat significantly tarnished UPDF’s reputation, providing Al-Shabaab an opportunity to raid the UPDF. The cowardice in action resulted in the loss of soldiers and equipment.

Under the second count, Oluka was accused of obstructing an operation by the rear protection force to search, rescue, and recapture Bulomarer. These grounds led to the dismissal of both officers from the army.

Chairman of the General Court-Martial, Robert Mugabe, informed Oluka and Abor of their right to appeal within 14 days if dissatisfied with the decision.

In addition to the senior officers, Lance Corporal Alex Okot Anyatta and Corporal Hagai Twinemanzi were sentenced to 16 years, seven months, and 20 days, and 22 years, nine months, and 24 days in jail, respectively. They were charged with failing to protect war materials, as per Section 122 (1) (2) (g) of the UPDF Act 2005.

Sergeants Ronald Obeyo and William Kakooza also faced consequences, receiving jail terms of 17 years, six months, and 19 days, and 10 months, and 18 days, respectively, for their role in the failure to protect war materials.

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