UPDF deserter sentenced to 35 years in prison, colleague dismissed for taking a 5-year leave – The Black Examiner
Summary:
A 44-year-old soldier in Uganda received a 35-year prison sentence for desertion, while a colleague was dismissed for being absent without leave. Both were found guilty by the UPDF court martial, underscoring the army’s zero-tolerance policy towards desertion.
KAMPALA, (Examiner) – A 44-year-old soldier has received a 35-year prison sentence for desertion from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). His colleague faced dismissal from the force for being absent without official leave (AWOL).
Private Abraham Engwedu, identified as RA/200628, was found guilty of desertion by the UPDF Third Division Court Martial held at Moroto barracks. Engwedu, formerly with the 19 Infantry Battalion, fled his unit armed in November 2006 from Matany detach in Napak District, Karamoja Sub Region. He remained at his home in Kalaki District until his arrest, during which government property was recovered.
The court, sitting for three days, also dismissed Private Stephen Jarili (RA/211981) from service with disgrace. Jarili, stationed at the Third Division headquarters and attached to Mount Elgon Conservation Area under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), was found guilty of being AWOL. He had taken a 14-day pass leave from duty in Mbale on September 4, 2017, but only returned on February 23, 2023.
Both soldiers pleaded guilty to their charges, according to UPDF Third Division spokesperson Isaac Oware. Colonel Francis Kateraho, the court chairman, emphasized that the sentences served as a deterrent to potential offenders. Kateraho stressed the UPDF’s intolerance toward desertion, highlighting the significant investment the Force makes in personnel training.
The court granted a 14-day window for appeal if the soldiers are dissatisfied with the verdict. Desertion cases remain a concern within the army, prompting strict enforcement of disciplinary measures.
WhatsApp Follow Button
Follow @examinerug
Your Page Title
The Black Examiner®.
We come to you.
Want to send us a story or have an opinion to share? Send an email to editorial@examiner.co.ug or Join Our WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://examiner.co.ug/news/national/updf-deserter-sentenced-to-35-years-in-prison-colleague-dismissed-for-taking-a-5-year-leave/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=updf-deserter-sentenced-to-35-years-in-prison-colleague-dismissed-for-taking-a-5-year-leave
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
News
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum