Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Court Martial has sentenced a soldier to 51 years for killing three people in Gulu City early this year.
L/C Geoffrey Okello is accused of gunning down Beatrice Ajok, 52, and her two sons; Dan Joachim Binyang, 18, and Owen Norman, 20, and injuring an 8-year-old girl at Vanguard Sub-ward, Eastern Division, Gulu city.
Last week, the 33-year-old soldier appeared before the court-martial held at Lumumba recreation triangle within the premises of Gulu barracks for cross-examination but denied the charges before the case was canceled.
Basing on Corporal Okello's statement, he didn't participate in the alleged shooting because he was fatefully deployed to guard the order room under the 4th Division.
"My lord, I did not participate in the alleged shooting because that fateful day I was deployed to guard the order room under 4th Division''. He said
However, Okello who remained calm throughout the court examination session, said he was not offered the help he needed when he reported an assault case against the family members of the deceased persons to the police under SD ref 37/20/11/19.
According to the perpetrator, he has not been in a good relationship with the family of Mr. Patrick Okwera since November 19, 2019, because his children allowed goats to destroy his garden and assaulted him when he complained over the issue.
Capt Huruntwaha Kabuye, the defense lawyer requested the court to set a date for the judgment.
Capt Huruntwaha Kabuye, the defense lawyer requested the court to set a date for the judgment.
The court chairperson, Col. Geoffrey Nambafu recessed the case to allow both the defense and prosecution “to sum up their work.”
The 33-year-old Corporal Okello was further remanded at Gulu prison.
