Soroti court jails man 18 months for stealing journalist’s equipment

________________

The Soroti Chief Magistrate's Court has sentenced Geoffrey Omedel to 18 months in prison for stealing essential gadgets belonging to Vision Group journalist Godfrey Ojore.

Omedel was convicted of breaking into Ojore's residence in Pamba on July 30, 2024, where he stole a laptop, camera, mobile phones and identification documents.

Soroti Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga found compelling evidence against Omedel, which led to his conviction.

While Omedel received a custodial sentence, his co-accused, John Ekwamu, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.

State prosecutor Doreen Adero had argued for a five-year prison term and compensation for Ojore, stating that the theft not only affected him personally but also disrupted his professional duties as a journalist.

However, the court handed down a shorter sentence and declined the request for compensation.

Following the ruling, Ojore expressed relief and gratitude, emphasising that the verdict serves as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes.

“As much as I am not going to recover any of my gadgets, the fact that an individual found guilty will serve more than a year in prison is a very good lesson. My only prayer is that he comes back a reformed person and does not steal from others again,” Ojore stated.

The impact of the theft was significant for Ojore, who described the incident as a major setback in his professional life.

“That theft hardened my work because, as a journalist, equipment like a camera, laptop, and phones are essential for performing my duties,” he explained.

To continue his work, Ojore was forced to take out a loan to purchase replacement equipment, a financial burden he continues to face.

“I had to enter into a loan to acquire some gadgets to enable me to carry out my responsibilities as a journalist. It has been a struggle that continues to affect me,” he lamented.

Ojore remains hopeful that the sentence handed down to Omedel will resonate within the community and promote respect for the rights and property of others.