UPDF soldier jailed for life for shooting dead two colleagues, injuring five others

The UPDF Mountain Division Court Martial sitting at Muhooti Barracks in Fort Portal City, Kabarole District has sentenced a soldier to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering two colleagues and injuring others.

Corporal Peter Avugo Lomuro attached to the air force evacuation of the Mountain Division signal department in July shot and killed Pte Richard Anyoro and Staff Sgt Albert Tony but also injured five other soldiers.

Upon arrest, he was charged with two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

The army prosecution team led by Pte Ann Mubeezi provided evidence to prove that Avugo committed the offence and during mitigation, they told court that by the time of the murder of the two soldiers, they were in the age when the UPDF needed their service so much.

“This court should therefore give a heavy punishment to him to act as a deterrent to other would-be offenders,” Pt Mubeezi told the court.

In his mitigation, Cpl Avugo told court that he was sorry for what happened and asked court for lenience since he is the bread winner of his children.

In his sentence, the Mountain Division court martial chairman, Lt Col Benon Besigye said evidence by prosecution was enough to ensure the convict is given a sentence to keep him away from others.

“This court therefore sentences you to life imprisonment on count one, two, three and the sentences are to be served concurrently at Katojo government prison,” Lt Col Besigye said.

He however advised the convict to appeal the sentence if he is not satisfied with it in 14 days.