The court heard that between February and October 2023, within and Outside Uganda in diverse places of Lira, Masaka, Arua, Kampala Cities, Bididi Bidi Camp in Yumbe District and Juba City in South Sudan held meetings recruited and formed a rebel group called Uganda Lord's Salvation Army.
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Some of the Soldiers of UPDF who have been charged before the Court Martial in Makindye with treachery .
The Uganda People's Defense Forces-UPDF General Court Martial
sitting in Makindye, has remanded 31 suspects, including eight soldiers, to
Luzira and Military Police Barracks on charges related to an alleged plot to
overthrow the legitimate government of Uganda.
They are Captain Denish Oola
Oyaa, attached to the 6 Tank Battalion as an Operations Training Officer,
Lieutenant Benjamin Oduru, a Staff Officer, Warrant Officer 2 Oryek Sunday
Jenaro, a Tank Engine Technician, Sergeant Bernard Morris Leku (also known as
Peter Anguadia, a deserter), formerly attached to the Field Engineering Unit of
America Village Perichi Subcounty, West Adjumani County in Adjumani District,
Corporal John Elatu, attached to 6 Tank Battalion in Singo as a gunner,
Corporal Ronald Keuber, attached to 1 Tank Battalion as a driver/Mechanic
resident of Gulu Air Base, Corporal David Olal, a Police officer resident of
Erute North in Lira District, and Lance Corporal Moses Anyang, attached to 6
Tank Battalion as a Tank Operator/Nurse.
The remaining soldiers mentioned earlier are all attached to the
Armoured Brigade Headquarters. These military personnel have been charged
alongside civilians, including plumbers, teachers, and a pastor. Some of the
civilians include Judith Angwech, a pastor from Alebtong district, Simon Oyoma,
a pastor from Soroti City, Daniel Owitti (also known as Ott or ODM), a Social
worker from Adjumani District, Fabio Ocen, a builder from Kole District,
Muhammad Ijosiga, a peasant from Arua district, Stanley Yiacia (also known as
Simple), a Marketeer from Maracha, Anthony Kamau Omacj, a teacher from Dokolo
District, Joaquin Parm, an electrician from Nebbi District, Abdu Hakim
Koloboka, a security guard from Yumbe District, Habibu Ezale, a mechanic from
Koboko District, Ssebi Keppo, a peasant from Arua District, among others.
Before the Court Martial,
chaired by Brigadier General Freeman Robert Mugabe, the group faced charges of
alleged treachery as defined in the Uganda People's Defense Forces Act. The
prosecution, represented by Lt Col Raphael Mugisha, Lt Alex Lasto Mukhwana, and
Private Regina Nanzala, informed the court that investigations are ongoing and
requested an adjournment. Legal representation was provided by Captain Simon
Nsubuga Busagwa and Private Pricilla Kakande.
Consequently, they have been
remanded until January 22nd, 2024, for further proceedings as inquiries
continue. This trial is among several in the Court Martial concerning
treachery-related charges.
Additionally, another group
comprising 23 suspects faces charges of treachery and the murder of Mityana and
Kiboga police officers, allegedly absconding with their firearms.
Allegedly
acting as agents of the Uganda National Coalition, this group and others engaged
in activities against the government, recruiting individuals, and attacking
security posts, posing a threat to Uganda's security. This trial is ongoing and
at an advanced stage. Furthermore, three other suspects, purportedly affiliated
with the Allied Democratic Forces, were recently charged with similar offenses
and are presently on remand.
