The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The UPDF 3rd Division Court Martial has sentenced 82 Karamojong warriors to prison for Illegal possession of firearms.
Col. Francis B. Bateraho, the 3rd Division Court Martial Chairperson delivered the sentences on Friday at Moroto Government Prison. The sentences ranged from 3- 10 years. At least 44 were sentenced to 10 years in prison while the others received sentences of 8-9 years. Only two warriors were Sentences to 3 years imprisonment each.
While sentencing the warriors, Col. Kateraho noted that the court had been lenient on the convicts but had also considered how illegal guns have caused poverty, suffering, hatred and death of both civilians and soldiers.
“You will go for rehabilitation so that you come back hardworking and law-abiding citizens. Most of you are still young but you chose the path of destruction. You caused poverty, hatred, suffering and death of many people.”
Many of the convicts mostly youths and three elderly men looked remorseful as their sentences were read.
The 82 are part of the over 200 warriors arrested during the cordon and search operations in Karamoja where 58 guns and over 300 ammunition have been recovered. The operation started last month.
Most of them pleaded guilty during the trial that started on Monday.
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