The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Court Martial has sentenced a 27-year-old soldier to 52 years in prison for losing his firearm and 120 rounds of ammunition after a night of drinking in Gulu City.
Private Owen Okumu, attached to the Fourth Infantry Division and identified by service number RA/270603, was convicted by the court sitting at Fourth Division Barracks in Gulu City on Friday, November 22. He pleaded guilty to the offense, which contravenes Chapter 330 of the UPDF Act.
The court heard that on December 30, 2023, while on patrol duty armed with an SMG rifle (serial number 56-48000707) and 120 live rounds, Pvt Okumu abandoned his squad and entered Buganda Pub in Gulu City. He reportedly got intoxicated and fell asleep in the pub. By 3:00 a.m., he was found unconscious, with neither his rifle nor ammunition in sight.
Prosecutor Captain Augustine Tumwebaze requested a harsh sentence, emphasizing the severity of the case and the potential danger posed by the missing weapon. “The gun and 120 bullets have not been recovered since December 2023. This poses a significant threat as they could be used to commit serious crimes. We pray for a stringent and deterrent sentence for the convict due to the gravity of the case,” Capt Tumwebaze submitted.
While delivering the sentence, Court Martial Chairman Col Innocent Tukashaba highlighted the risks posed by the missing firearm. “The court is convinced by the aggravating factors in this case. The loss of this weapon could have devastating consequences, including the potential for grave atrocities. We cannot ignore the likelihood of these items being used for criminal purposes,” he said.
Pvt Okumu was sentenced to 52 years in Gulu Government Prison. The court stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and accountability within the military, warning that such negligence would not be tolerated.
