Kotido: Three Receive 60-year Sentence for Murder of LCIII Chairperson

The Third Infantry Division Court Martial (DCM) sitting at Longaroe and Nakapelimoru sub-counties in Kotido district sentenced four civilians for the murder of the LCIII Chairperson of Longaroe sub-county, Moses Lomuria Moses.

The Division Court Martial chaired by Colonel Francis Kateraho heard that on July 2 while at Narubela village in Longaroe, Modo John Apakoru, Paul Lomuramoe, Lomoru Lopukan and Timothy Koryang shot and killed the chairperson and three others, namely: Lt Issa Mayende, Private David Mwanika and Peter Lokol.

The accused were each charged with four counts of murder, contrary to Section 188 and 189 Art 22 (1) and Section 191 of the Penal Code Act and after evaluating all the evidence provided by the prosecution, the court found the accused persons guilty of the offence of murder and attempted murder.

The court convicted Apakori, Lomuriamoe and Lopukan to 60 years imprisonment each for all three counts and are to be served concurrently. Relatedly, the court sentenced Koryang to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Court heard that Koryang was a kingpin and leader of the gang that several occasions terrorized communities in Agago and headed raids in the Region.

Following his arrest, his gang carried out a retaliatory attack that led to the murder of four people including Lt Issa Mayende, Pte David Mwanika, Peter Lopol and Moses Lomoria in Nabela village.

Meanwhile, the Division Court Martial sentenced Lokidi to 65 years imprisonment on three counts of murder and five years for each of the two counts of attempted murder which are to be served concurrently.

Lokidi attached to the 23 Infantry Battalion in 2 Division, while on leave shot dead the Watakao LC1 Chairperson Peter Lojale, Locheng Lopiringole, Angol Lochoriathe, and injured Apakuruk Longole and Daniel Akure.

The court found actions of Pte Lokidi contravened the laws of Uganda and the UPDF Code of Conduct. The court noted that Pte Lokidi’s actions did not only tarnish the image of UPDF but were regrettable as he killed and injured the people he was supposed to protect.