Report on Makerere University military raid ready
A Special Committee set up by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to probe the military raid in Makerere University in October last year has handed over its report to the Military Police Commander.
The committee chaired by Lt. Col. Richard Okum was established following a public uproar and complaints of brutalization leveled against soldiers to quash the two week’s student protests against the 15 percent tuition increment.
Images of students being flogged by Military Police in their halls of residence went viral on social media generating a public uproar. This prompted the army to arrest the Commander of the operation, Captain Richard Lubeera together with Corporal Sunday Ocira.
The two appeared before the Military Police Brigade Unit Disciplinary Committee (UDC) Chaired by Lt. Col. Richard Ochen Okum at the Military Police Headquarters in Makindye on November 29, 201 on charges of Neglect of Duty contrary to Section 114(1) of the Penal Code Act Cap 120.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges and applied for bail, which was granted. They were directed to report to the legal officer once a week. Now Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, the Deputy UPDF spokesperson, says Okum has handed over the committee report to Brig William Bainomugisha, the Military Police Commandant.
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“The Board of Inquiry concluded with its investigations and handed over the report to the Commandant Military Police for further management. Investigators in the case will take it up from there according to the terms of reference for such an investigation,” Lt. Col. Akiiki said.
The report will form the basis for the trial of Captain Richard Lubeera and Corporal Sunday Ocira. It is unclear whether or not the report pins the duo for ordering their juniors to drag students from their halls of residence and flog them.
