Sixty one suspects accused of attacking Kalombo Millitary Detach in Zombo District have been arraigned before the Court Martial at Makindye and charged with the murder of 5 UPDF officers.
The suspects have spent more than oneyear on remand at Kitalya government prison since the 4th Division court martial in Gulu District charged and remanded them between March 2020 and July 2021.
During the said attacks , CPL Godfrey Oola, Private Solomon Oyuthu, Private Bosco Okol , Warrant officer Patrick Odongotho and Lace cpl Godfrey Timba lost their lives while many huts and ammunition were burnt down.
Following the attacks, security agencies started hunting for the suspects who comprise of UPDF officers and civilians whom they picked from various places such as Packwach, Zombo and Arua districts.
However, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were organised under a group called Uganda Homeland Liberation Force allegedly led by a one Col Athocon who is the former Air force Commander in Uganda Army(AU).
Investigations further shows that the motive of the suspects was to overthrow the government of Uganda and when interrogated, they reportedly indicated that their plan was to attack vulnerable areas such as Zombo Police Station, and the Resident District Commissioner’s residence to secure guns for their mission.
The group has today formally denied the 7 counts before the General Court Martial chaired by Lt Gen Andrew Gitti.
The other 2 counts are offences related to security.
By Rashidah Nakaayi