Some of the suspected soldiers in the dock

The suspects are Cpt Denish Oola Oyaa, attached to the 6 Tank Battalion as an operations training officer, Lt Benjamin Oduru, a staff officer, warrant officer 2 Oryek Sunday Jenaro, a tank engine technician, Sgt Bernard Morris Leku (also known as Peter Anguadia, a deserter), formerly attached to the field engineering unit of America Village Perichi sub-county, West Adjumani county in Adjumani district, Cpl John Elatu, attached to 6 Tank Battalion in Singo as a gunner, Cpl Ronald Keuber, attached to 1 Tank Battalion as a driver/mechanic resident of Gulu Airbase, Cpl David Olal, a police officer resident of Erute North in Lira district, and LCpl Moses Anyang, attached to 6 Tank Battalion as a tank operator/nurse.

All the soldiers are attached to the armoured brigade headquarters. These military personnel have been charged alongside civilians, including plumbers, teachers, and a pastor.

Some of the remanded 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.   

The Court Martial chaired by Brig Gen 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 Pte Regina Nanzala, informed the court that investigations are ongoing and requested an adjournment. Legal representation was provided by Cpt Simon Nsubuga Busagwa and Pte Pricilla Kakande.

Consequently, they have been remanded until January 22, 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 (ADF), were recently charged with similar offenses and are presently on remand.

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