10 soldiers plead guilty to treason, set free
Sentenced. The soldiers, who pleaded guilty to treason, appear before the army court in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA.
What you need to know:
- Prosecution states that between May and June 2016, the accused and others still at large in Wakiso, Luweero and Kampala districts committed acts of treachery by infiltrating the defence forces and engaging in war-like activities with intent to overthrow the government.
Kampala. Ten soldiers, who were charged jointly with Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka over treason, have been convicted but sentenced to a caution and severe reprimand.
The General Court Martial at Makindye on Monday convicted the junior soldiers after they pleaded guilty to the offences of security and treachery.
Severe reprimand, according to army officers, is a caution. A person accused of treachery is liable to a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
The soldiers pleaded guilty to treason after one year and seven months since they were charged in the army court.
Court justification
“The convicts have opted to change their plea. Court explained to them the implications of pleading guilty and considers it remorse. We regard the convicts as first time offenders and mindful of the period they have spent on remand and other mitigating factors,” said Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, the chairman of the General Court Martial.
Gen Gutti added: “The reprimanded convicts are hereby set free unless held on other offences. You are also directed to go back to your respective units and resume operations.”
The convicts are Pte Bilal Asuman, Cpl Emmanuel Tibesigwa, Cpl Justine Elwelu, Pte Ibrahim Angola, Pte James Matagi, Pte Lucy Achan, Pte Billy Paul Oguti, Pte James Byamaka, Pte Ambrose Oonyu and Pte Benon Tugume.
Prosecution led by Maj Raphael Mugisha had told court that between January and June 2016, the convicts and others still at large attended a briefing at Bombo in Luwero District, Namirembe Road and Kyengera in Kampala, with knowledge to attack Makindye and Bombo barracks on June 8, 2016, to prejudice the security of the defence forces.
Those remaining on the charge sheet include Mr Kabaziguruka, who has since petitioned the Constitutional Court, challenging his trial in the army court when he is a civilian. Last year, the Constitutional Court issued orders that temporarily stopped his trial proceedings until his petition is disposed of.
Court adjourned the case to January 29 for mention.
