The Uganda People’s Defense Court Martial has dismissed two army officers over cowardice while in action.
The two officers, Major Zaddock Abor and Major John Oluka were found guilty and dismissed by the court martial on the 11th of November 2023.
This is after the court established that their actions while al Shabab troops attacked the military camp in Bulo Marer base was cowardly.
“Because of cowardice in action a number of soldiers and equipment were lost. Maj John Steven Oluka,58, and Maj Zaddock Abor,49, are both found guilty on count one, cowardice in action contrary to section 120 (1) (2) of the UPDF Act of 2005.
“Whereas, Maj John Steven Oluka, on top of count one is also sentenced with count two; offenses by a person in command when in action contrary to sections 128(1) (b) of the UPDF Act of 2005,”the court ruled.
Notably, the attack in Bulo Marer was one of the deadliest for the African Union force, since it launched a new offensive against al-Shabab last year.
In the May 26th attack on the camp, more than fifty officers were killed.
Uganda is part of the African Union force helping Somalia’s government fight al-Shabab, which is an affiliate of terrorist group, Al Qaeda.
The Officers Conduct During the Attack
Further, the Ugandan military court sitting in Mogadishu established that the officers had been given warning of an impending attack but failed to act to deter it.
Additionally, during the attack, the two officers ordered a withdrawal of troops from the base under attack which tarnished the name of the Uganda People Defense Forces.
Furthermore, when the Al Shabab terrorist attacked the base, the two senior officers failed to encourage the soldiers under their command to fight victoriously.
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In fact, the prosecution noted that the two officers abandoned their forces and ran towards the Golweyn Forward Operating Base.
Additionally, Major John Steven Oluka, while at Golweyn Forward Operating Base caused the eventual abortion of the operation. However, the two officers were granted a right to appeal within 14 days of the ruling.
Other Officers Sentenced by the Uganda Court Martial
In the court ruling, four non-commissioned officers were also found guilty of failing to protect military equipment.
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Among these four officers were L/Cpl Alex Okot Anyatta sentenced to 16 years and Cpl Hagai Twinemanzi sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Additionally, Sgt Ronald Obeyo was condemned to 17 years in prison and Sgt William Kakooza is set to serve 10 months and 18 days in detention.
Notably, Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, criticized his military for its response during the Bulo Marer attack.
