Army Court Imposes 60-Year Sentences on Three Civilians for Kotido LC3 Chairperson’s Murder

In a decisive move by the Third Infantry Division Court Martial (DCM) in Longaroe and Nakapelimoru Sub-counties, Kotido District, three civilians have been sentenced to 60 years each for the brutal murder of the LC3 chairperson for Longaroe sub-county. The court also convicted them for the killing of Lt Issa Mayende, Private David Mwanika, and Peter Lokol.

Modo John Apakoru, Lomuramoe Paul, and Lomoru Lopukan, identified as the perpetrators, were found guilty on all three counts of murder, as per Section 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act. The court, chaired by Colonel Francis Kateraho, heard that on July 2, 2023, in Narubela village, Longaroe Sub-county, the trio, alongside Koryang Timothy, shot and killed Moses Lomuria, the LC3 chairperson for Longaroe sub-county.

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The court handed down a 60-year imprisonment sentence to each of the convicted individuals for all three counts, to be served concurrently. Additionally, Koryang Timothy received a 20-year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as he was identified as the leader of a gang that terrorized communities in Agago and conducted raids in the region.

Koryang’s arrest prompted a retaliatory attack by his gang, resulting in the murder of four people, including Lt Issa Mayende, Pte Mwanika David, Lopol Peter, and Lomoria Moses in Nabela village.

Meanwhile, Pte Lokidi Peter, attached to the 23 Infantry Battalion of the Second Division, received a severe sentence of 65 years for three counts of murder and an additional five years for each of the two counts of attempted murder, to be served concurrently. Pte Lokidi, on leave at the time, shot dead Watakao LC1 Chairperson Lojale Peter, Locheng Lopiringole, Angol Lochoriathe, and injured Apakuruk Longole and Akure Daniel.

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The court underscored that Pte Lokidi’s actions not only violated the laws of Uganda but also the UPDF Code of Conduct. It was noted with regret that his actions tarnished the image of the UPDF and were particularly egregious as he targeted and harmed the very people he was meant to protect.