UPDF private sentenced for desertion
His offense involved 14 days of unauthorized absence from duty, rendering him Absent Without Official Leave.
Motoro: In a solemn court hearing held at the Moroto army barracks on Sunday, April 21, 2024, the 3rd Division Court Martial (DCM) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) delivered a significant verdict RA/200628 Private Engwedu Abraham.
The 44 year old faced charges of desertion and was found guilty under section 146 of the UPDF Act of 2005.
Private Engwedu, formerly attached to the 19 Infantry Battalion, committed the offense while armed.
In November 2006, he escaped from his unit at Matany detach, Napak district.
Despite being on the run, he remained in hiding at his home in Kalaki district until his eventual arrest.
The court heard that government stores were also recovered during the operation to apprehend him.
The court, presided over by Colonel Francis Kateraho, the 3rd DCM Chairman, handed down a 35-year sentence to Private Engwedu.
He will serve this sentence in Moroto Government Prison. The severity of the punishment aims to deter other potential offenders.
Alongside Private Engwedu, the court also dismissed Private Stephen Jarili of 3 Division headquarters.
Private Jarili had been attached to the Mount Elgon Conservation Area under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
His offense involved 14 days of unauthorized absence from duty, rendering him Absent Without Official Leave.
Both soldiers pleaded guilty to their charges.
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