The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Division Court Martial (DCM) sitting at Longaroe and Nakapelimoru sub-counties in Kotido district has sentenced four civilians for murdering a Local Council Three Chairperson of Longaroe sub-county, Moses Lomuria, Lt Issa Mayende, Private David Mwanika and Peter Lokol.
Major Moses Amuya, the acting 3rd Division Army Spokesperson said that, the Division Court Martial chaired by Colonel Francis Kateraho heard that on July 2, 2023, while at Narubela village in Longaroe sub-county, John Modo Apakoru, Paul Lomuramoe, Lomoru Lopukan and Timothy Koryang shot and killed Lomuria, Lt Mayende, Private Mwanika and Lokol.
Maj Amuja said that, each of the accused were charged with four counts of murder, an offence that contradicts with Section 188 and 189 Art 22 (1) and Section 191 of the Penal Code Act. He added that, after evaluating all the evidence provided by the prosecution, the court found the accused persons guilty of the offence of murder and attempted murder.
He said that, court convicted Apakori, Lomuriamoe and Lopukan each to 60 years imprisonment for all three counts and are to be served concurrently.
Relatedly, the court sentenced Koryang to 20 years imprisonment over unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Court heard that Koryang was a kingpin and leader of the gang that on several occasions terrorized communities in Agago and headed raids in the region.
Following his arrest, his gang carried out a retaliatory attack that led to the murder of four people including Lt Mayende, Private Mwanika, Lopol and Lomoria in Nabela village.
Meanwhile, the Division Court Martial sentenced Private Lokidi to 65 years imprisonment on three counts of murder and five years for each of the two counts of attempted murder which are to be served concurrently.
Private Lokidi attached to the 23 Infantry Battalion in the 2nd Division, while on leave shot dead the Watakao LC1 Chairperson, Peter Lojale, Locheng Lopiringole, Angol Lochoriathe, and injured Apakuruk Longole and Daniel Akure.
The court found actions of Lokidi contravening the laws of Uganda and the UPDF Code of Conduct.
The court noted that Lokidi’s actions did not only tarnish the image of UPDF but were regrettable as he killed and injured people he was supposed to protect.
