UPDF deserter handed 35-year jail sentence

The court martial sitting in Moroto district has handed down a 35-year jail term to 44-year-old private Abraham Engwedu for desertion.

Col Francis Kateraho delivered the verdict on Sunday and Engwedu is slated to serve his sentence in Moroto government prisons.

According to court proceedings, Engwedu, previously assigned to the 19th infantry battalion, absconded while armed from his unit in November 2006 at Matany detach, Napak district.

He remained at his residence in Kalaki district until apprehended, with government stores subsequently recovered by security personnel.

During the same three-day session, the court also dismissed with disgrace private Stephen Jarili of 3rd Division headquarters, who was attached to Mount Elgon Conservation Area under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Jarili had been granted a 14-day leave pass from his duty station in Mbale on September 4, 2017, but failed to report back until February 23, 2023, marking an extended period of absence, classified as absent without official leave (AWOL).

Both individuals were convicted based on their guilty pleas. In delivering the verdict, Col Francis Kateraho, the 3rd division court martial chairman, emphasized that the severity of the sentence aims to deter potential future offenders.

He underscored the military’s uncompromising stance against desertion, highlighting the significant investment in personnel training. The court granted a 14-day window for appeal should either party wish to contest the judgment.