A 38-year-old driver from Mityana District has been sentenced to three years, nine months, and 27 days in prison for unlawfully possessing military equipment.
Moses Duncan Mendieta pleaded guilty to the charges under Section 158(1) & (2)(c) of the UPDF Act, Cap 330, during proceedings at the General Court Martial in Makindye.
Court records revealed that on September 23, 2024, Mendieta was found in possession of items classified as gazetted military stores, including uniforms, tents, and other regulated equipment.
Among the confiscated items were five military T-shirts, one pair of operations uniforms, and three pairs of camouflage uniforms.
Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe, the court chairman, emphasized that unlawful possession of military stores is a serious offense punishable by up to death.
However, the court took into account Mendieta’s guilty plea, lack of a criminal record, and his expressed remorse, reducing the sentence significantly.
State prosecutor Capt. Ambroz Gum argued for deterrent measures to address the widespread nature of such offenses.
In contrast, defense counsel Capt Simon Busagwa highlighted Mendieta’s health condition, family responsibilities, and time spent in remand, requesting leniency.
Having already served two months and three days in custody, Mendieta apologized to the court and prayed for forgiveness.
The court deducted his time on remand along with an additional one year due to mitigating factors, resulting in the final sentence.
Mendieta has 14 days to appeal the ruling.