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KAMPALA - A Senior non-commissioned officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been sentenced to two years in prison after finding him guilty of desertion.

Under the law, desertion contravenes Sections 146 (1) and (2) (d) of the UPF Act, 2005, and attracts a maximum life imprisonment sentence, upon conviction.

The General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala chaired by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe on Monday (January 30, 2024) sentenced RA/025069 Sgt Tito Agaba.

Agaba, 51, formerly attached to the Chieftaincy Military Intelligence (CMI) under the Directorate of Counter Terrorism (DCT) as a driver, abodes at Bulenga in Wakiso district.

Delivering his ruling, Gen. Mugabe, said the maximum sentence for the offence was life imprisonment and that a three years imprisonment sentence was appropriate for the convict.

He further stated that the offence was rampant and that the convict had readily pleaded guilty, therefore, not wasted the court’s time.

“In the premises, this court after deducting a period of four months and fifteen days spent on remand/lawful custody and further deducting a period of four months for mitigating factors, this court sentences you Agaba to two years, three months, and fourteen days imprisonment,” Mugabe ruled.

He further advised the convict to appeal within 14 days if he was not satisfied with the decision of his court.

Led by Lt Alex Mukhwana, Pvt Anthony Phillip Olupot, and Pvt Regina Nanzala, the State prosecutors told court that in October 2016, while at CM Headquarters, Mbuya, Nakawa division in Kampala district, Agaba, without authority, left his unit until September 15, 2023, when he was arrested within Kampala district.

Captain Nsubuga Busagwa and Private Pricilla Kakande represented the convict.