In a landmark decision, the 5th Division Court Martial has handed down dismissals and jail sentences to soldiers involved in a shocking incident caught on camera. The viral video depicted military personnel flogging a suspect accused of motorcycle theft.
The implicated individuals, Corporal Richard Burton Odong Otto, the former Lagot Detach Commander, and Privates Sunday Mungu Acel, Dennis Ogwang, and Martin Henry Omara, faced charges of aggravated torture. Four of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges, while Omara Morris maintained his innocence.
During the court proceedings, Col. Ismail Ssendagira, the chairman of the 5th Division Court Martial, acquitted Private Omara Morris based on testimony from Corporal Odong Otto Richard Burton, who clarified that Omara was not present during the commission of the crime.
The court, presided over at Lagot Primary School in Lagot Village, Pajong Parish, Mucwini Sub-county, Kitgum district, sentenced the guilty parties to one year in prison and dismissal from the army.
Col. Ssendagire declared, "This court hereby sentences you, Cpl Odong Richard Burton, Pte Mongu Acel Sunday, Pte Ogwang Denis, and Pte Omara Martin Henry, to dismissal with disgrace from the Defence Forces and imprisonment for one year at Uganda government prison Lira."
Responding to the verdict, Col. Deo Akiiki, the deputy defense spokesperson, highlighted the convicts' right to appeal within 14 days to the General Court Martial in Kampala.
The case unfolded after the soldiers tortured Nelson Omon from Lagot military detach on December 10, 2023, accusing him of stealing a motorcycle. The video, which circulated widely on December 12, triggered public outrage, prompting the UPDF to swiftly arrest all suspects involved in the incident.
