A UPDF Court Martial at Moroto army barracks has sentenced 44-year-old Private Abraham Engwedu to 35 years in prison for desertion. The convict will serve the sentence in Moroto Government Prison.
The court heard that Private Engwedu Abraham, who was then attached to the 19 Infantry Battalion, escaped from his unit in November 2006 in Matany detach, Napak district. He stayed at his home in Kalaki district until he was arrested, and government stores were recovered by the security team. He was convicted on his own plea of guilt.
The court also discharged Private Jarili Stephen, previously stationed at Mount Elgon Conservation Area, for being AWOL from September 2017 to February 2023.
The Court Martial Chairman, Colonel Francis Kateraho, said desertion won’t be tolerated since the force invests a lot of resources in the training of its personnel.
However, the court gave them 14 days to appeal the sentence in case they are not satisfied with the judgment.