Court Martial sentences soldier to death

Jun 13, 2010

A UPDF officer was sentenced to death on Friday for killing a Police officer in Mbale town in March.

By Joseph Wanzusi

A UPDF officer was sentenced to death on Friday for killing a Police officer in Mbale town in March.

According to prosecution, 2nd Lt. Ambrose Ogwang, 23, held a family hostage on Kumi Road after allegedly robbing a stationery shop on Republic Street.

When George Koire attempted to rescue the family, Ogwang shot him in the head, killing him instantly.

Lt. Col. Eugene Ssebugwawo, who chaired the 3rd Division Court Martial, told court that the conviction should serve as a warning to UPDF officers.

He emphasised that the army would not show mercy to those who commit crimes.

The defence lawyer, Lt. Dan Madaba, prayed for a lenient sentence, saying the convict was a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner for his young siblings. Ogwang was given 14 days to appeal the sentence.

After the sentence was read out, the convict was taken to Maluku Government Prison under tight security provided by the military and the Police.

Ogwang joined the UPDF in February last year in Gulu and underwent training at Kabamba military wing before deployment in the 3rd Division.

He was attached to the 67th Battalion at Karita in Amudat district.

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