UPDF Soldier arrested in Soroti for extortion
Military police personel with UPDF recruits at Kololo Independece Grounds on October 17 2016. Police in Soroti are holding a UPDF soldier for allegedly extorting money from members of the public who want to join the force. Photo Stephen Wandera
What you need to know:
- John Stephen Ekoom, Soroti Resident District Commissioner has cautioned the public against giving their money to anyone who would promise to help them join the army.
- Ben Erobu, one of the complainants told police Ojacora demanded from him Shs500,000 claiming that he would link him to the officers in charge of recruitment and bypass the rigorous process of verification.
Police in Soroti are holding a Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier for allegedly extorting money from the public.
Private Charles Ojacora Oluka of service number RA 201444 attached to the 3rd Division Headquarters in Moroto, was arrested on Monday at B 24 Bar and Lodge located in eastern division, Soroti Municipality following complaints to police by some of his victims.
Ojacora, a resident of Palam Sub-county in Katakwi district, is accused of getting money from the public promising to help them join the army in the on-going countrywide UPDF recruitment exercise. The recruitment exercise kicked off on October 17 and will end on October 29. In Soroti the exercise is slated for October 27.
Michael Odongo, the East Kyoga Police Spokesperson, said police found him with 200,000 shillings suspected to be part of the money he collected from the public and a mobile phone which he deceptively received from the complainant in disguise to channel communication.
Odongo explained that six people registered their complaints at police. According to the complainants, Ojacora was asking for between 100,000 and 500,000 shillings and two people had already paid him.
Odongo said Private Ojacora will be charged with obtaining money by false pretense.
Ben Erobu, one of the complainants told police Ojacora demanded from him Shs500,000 claiming that he would link him to the officers in charge of recruitment and bypass the rigorous process of verification.
John Stephen Ekoom, Soroti Resident District Commissioner has cautioned the public against giving their money to anyone who would promise to help them join the army.
He explained that the exercise is transparent and will not condone bribery.
To qualify for recruitment, candidates must meet requirements that include being in possession of the national identity card, be aged between 18 - 25 years old, a minimum education of Senior Four, recommendation from Local council One, Three, and the Sub County Internal Security Officer-GISO. Candidates are also expected to be of sound mental and physical health.
