Four civilians have been sentenced for murder by the 3rd Infantry Division Court Martial (DCM), chaired by Colonel Francis Kateraho in Kotido District.
Kateraho said that the convicts were accused of murdering Moses Lomuria, the LC III Chairperson of Longaroe Sub-County, Lt. Issa Mayende, Private David Mwanika, and Peter Lokol.
According to Kateraho, John Modo Apakoru, Paul Lomuramoe, Lomoru Lopukan and Timothy Koryang committed the offence on July 2, 2023, while at Narubela village in Longaroe Sub-county.
“The accused were each charged with four counts of murder an act that is contrary to Sections 188 and 189 of Art. 22(1) and Section 191 of the Penal Code Act, and after evaluating all the evidence provided by the prosecution, the court found the accused persons guilty of the offences of murder and attempted murder,” Kateraho said.
Kateraho said that Modo John Apakori, Lomuriamoe Paul, and Lomoru Lopukan each face 60 years imprisonment for all three counts, which will be served concurrently, while Timothy was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He added that Koryang, who was a kingpin and leader of the gang on several occasions, terrorised communities in Agago and headed raids in the region, and that it was upon his arrest that his gang carried out a retaliatory attack that led to the murder of the four people.
“Peter, who was attached to the 23rd Infantry Battalion in 2nd Division, was sentenced to 65 years imprisonment on three counts of murder and five years for each of the two counts of attempted murder, which are to be served concurrently,” he said.
He added that he shot dead Watakao LC1 Chairperson, Lojale Peter, Locheng Lopiringole, Angol Lochoria and injured Apakuruk Longole and Akure Daniel while on leave.
The court noted that Lokidi’s actions did not only tarnish the image of the UPDF but were regrettable as he killed and injured the people he was supposed to protect.