A lower army court-martial has sentenced7 soldiers to Makindye military barracks, for battering journalists on duty at Prince Charles lane in Kololo. The military police disciplinary committee -UDC presided over by the chairman Lt Col Gai Mpandwa sat on Thursday and sent the accused to Makindye military barracks, as part of disciplinary action. Lt Col Mpandwa while […]
A lower army court-martial has sentenced7 soldiers to Makindye military barracks, for battering journalists on duty at Prince Charles lane in Kololo.
The military police disciplinary committee -UDC presided over by the chairman Lt Col Gai Mpandwa sat on Thursday and sent the accused to Makindye military barracks, as part of disciplinary action.
Lt Col Mpandwa while sentencing the soldiers said they acted without any professionalism and this should serve as a deterrent for others in the future.
The soldiers will each be required to serve various punishments while in detention at Makindye military barracks for the 90 days they have been sentenced to.
This comes after the Chief of Defence Forces-CDF Maj Gen David Muhoozi vowed to take action in due time against the ruthless soldiers that mercilessly flogged journalists with batons while covering Bobi wine petitions.
He told the media during a presser on Thursday morning that within 2 days the course of action would be communicated through the UPDF spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso.
Lt Col Deo Akiiki the UPDF army deputy mouthpiece says this is a transparent form of justice for the battered journalists and individuals.
”We are happy that the UPDF commander CDF David Muhoozi has come out clearly on that matter apologized and promised to help those who were involved, in the UPDF we never show a closed eye to anyone , you make a mistake, you pay for it, Akiiki said.”
Among those charged and sentenced include;
1. Capt Jessy Odwenyi
2. Cpl Nimusiima Justine
3. Pte Wasswa Peter
4. Pte Tsame Imran
5. Pte Kisakye Victoria
6. Pte Opiyo Isaac
7. L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim
Capt Odwenyi were sentenced to 90 days of detention in Makindye military barracks.
L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim was also charged with 60 days while Cpl Nimusiima Justine was sentenced to severe reprimand and caution while Pte Kisakye Victoria and Pte Opiyo Isaac were sentenced to 62 and 60 days in the military prison respectively.
Among the injured include our own Rashida Nakaayi of Galaxy FM, John Cliff Wamala, Geoffrey Twesigye and Irene Abalo of Nation Media Group, Shamim Nabakooza of Record TV, Henry Ssekanjako, Timothy Murungi of New Vision, Josephine Namakumbi, Joseph Sabiti and Thomas Kitimbo of NBS TV.
