Court Martial remands 7 UPDF soldiers, policeman and 23 civilians for plot to overthrow Govt

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF General Court Martial sitting in Makindye, has remanded 31 suspects, including seven soldiers, to Luzira and Military Police Barracks on charges related to an alleged plot to overthrow the government of Uganda.

Captain Denish Oola Oyaa, Lieutenant Benjamin Oduru,Warrant Officer 2 Oryek Sunday Jenaro, Sergeant Bernard Morris Leku (also known as Peter Anguadia, a deserter), Corporal John Elatu, Corporal Ronald Keuber,  Lance Corporal Moses Anyang and policeman Corporal David Olal were 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.

The suspects were 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.

Details of the soldiers

They are Captain Denish Oola Oyaa, attached to the 6TH 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 6th 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.

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