The UPDF fifth infantry division field court martial has handed a death sentence to Pte Bonny Ameny, 32 after being convicted of murder in Agago.
Private Ameny Bonny last month shot dead three civilians and injured two others on Monday in Ngora East village, Ngora parish, Paimol sub-county, Agago district.
On Wednesday, he was convicted on three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder , one count of abduction and one count of absconding from duty without official leave.
The court chaired by Colonel Peter Musherure, handed down the sentence following a two-day hearing that was held in Ngora East Village, Paimol sub-county in Agago District.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to all the charges, saying he was frustrated over his wife’s disappearance with shs16.5 million he had lent her to start a business.
The soldier told court that repeated attempts to seek help from her family and the police were unsuccessful, pushing him to take matters into his own hands.
Whereas the soldier’s lawyer, Pte Darius Agaba called for leniency and the past record of the offender, the Prosecutor, Lt Nekemiya Waiswa, emphasized the gravity of the offence , describing him as an adult of sound mind who committed premeditated acts that devastated families and communities.
Colonel David Opeero, the Deputy Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, commended the community for their role in the investigation and reaffirmed UPDF’s commitment to justice and accountability.
He urged soldiers to resolve personal disputes through proper channels and avoid conflict with civilians.
The development comes barely a month after another soldier was sentenced to death for killing a family in Mayuge.
Pte Herbertson Birivumbuka, a UPDF soldier attached to the Special Forces Command was sentenced on his own plea of guilty for killing a family of five.
SFC soldier handed death sentence for murder of Mayuge family of five