Soldiers accused of plotting to overthrow government acquitted
In an unprecedented manner,10 of the 26 people accused of treason have been released. The group including serving UPDF officers is accused of plotting to overthrow government in 2016.
On Monday, 10 of these, all soldiers, including; Pte Bilal Asuman ,Cpl Emmanuel Tibesigwa, Cpl Alwelu Justine, Pte Ibrahim Ongola,Pte James Matagi, Pte Lucy Achan ,Pte Billy Paul Oguti, Pte James Byamaka,Pte Ambrose Oonyu and Pte Benon Mugume were released after pleading guilty of the charges.
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Prosecution alleges that between February and June 2016, 26 UPDF soldiers in Kampala, Wakiso and Luweero districts plotted to overthrow the government by force of arms.
During mitigation on Monday,defence lawyer Lt. Brian Moogi asked court to give them a lenient sentence since they were serving officers who were soon going for a mission in Somalia.
The state prosecutor Maj.Raphael Mugisha argued that the accused have no previous record.
"However, the offence is serious and if executed puts the state at risk . Court should give them a suitable sentence, "Maj.Mugisha said.
In his sentence Lt.Gen.Andrew Guti, the army court chairman said that the 10 soldiers had not wasted court's time .
"They are set free unless held on other charges,"Lt.Guti said.
