Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Three UPDF soldiers are set to face a public trial for allegedly torturing a suspected motorcycle thief, Nelson Omon. A viral video circulated on social media, revealing the victim bound and hanging, being lashed by two men in civilian clothes and three in UPDF uniform.
Despite the victim pleading in Acholi to explain the situation, the torture continued. One of the tormentors, identified as Okuri, allegedly the GISO of Mucwini East Sub-County, threatened to leave the victim hanging overnight.
UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye stated that the suspect was initially arrested by the LC3 of Mucwini East Sub-county and community members, but the RDC ordered against beating him. However, the LC3 took the suspect to the Lagot military detach, where the commander participated in the torture.
Kulayigye confirmed the soldiers’ arrest and emphasized that the UPDF must avoid mob justice and criminal acts. The soldiers are currently at Banabana military barracks in Madi Opei Sub-county, Lamwo district.
Kitgum district RDC Jimmy Segawa Ebil warned of consequences for those found mistreating the suspect. He assured that anyone involved would be held accountable, condemning such actions as unacceptable and intolerable, even within a government facility.
https://twitter.com/strikemachine95/status/1734610463701549504
Today we arrested all the suspects who appeared in the Viral video flogging a man. They will be before the court martial tomorrow for prosecution. UPDF condemns in the strongest terms possible acts of torture amongest its ranks and file. pic.twitter.com/xt19ScQGZi
— Col Deo Akiiki (@DeoAkiiki) December 13, 2023