In a startling revelation, the General Court Martial in Makindye has remanded 31 individuals, comprising police officers, soldiers, pastors, and civilians, on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. The accused, including high-ranking military personnel, were arraigned in court on Tuesday, facing serious allegations that spanned a period from February 2022 to October 2023.
Among the military personnel charged are Captain Denish Oola Oyaa, Lieutenant Benjamin Oduru, Warrant Officer II Oryek Sunday Jenaro, Sergeant Bernard Morris Leku, Corporal John Elatu, Corporal Ronald Keuber, Corporal David Olal, and Lance Corporal Moses Anyang. These individuals, associated with various army units, are accused of treason under section 129(a) of the UPDF Act, 2005.
In addition to the military personnel, the court charged civilians implicated in the alleged plot. The civilians include pastors Judith Angwech and Simon Oyoma, social worker Daniel Owitti (also known as Ott or ODM), builder Fabio Ocen, peasant Muhammad Ijosiga, marketeer Stanley Yiacia, teacher Anthony Kamau Omacj, electrician Joaquin Parm, security guard Abdu Hakim Koloboka, mechanic Habibu Ezale, and peasant Ssebi Keppo.
The army prosecution contends that the accused held meetings, recruited members, and formed a rebel group named "Uganda Lords' Salvation Army." The group is accused of engaging in war or war-like activities with the intention of overthrowing the government of Uganda. Furthermore, they face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition under the Firearms Act, as they were allegedly found in possession of an SMG rifle without a valid firearms license and 21 rounds of live ammunition.
Represented by Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa and Private Pricilla Kakande, the accused denied all charges in court. The army prosecutors, including Lt Col Raphael Mugisha, Lt Alex Lasto Mukhwana, and Private Regina Nanzala, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing, requesting an adjournment.
Brigadier Robert Mugabe Freeman, the chairman of the army court, remanded the military personnel to Makindye military prison, while the civilians were sent to Kigo. The case is scheduled for mention on January 22, 2024, marking the beginning of what promises to be a complex and closely watched legal process.
