Somalia: Nine Ugandan-AMISOM soldiers handed prison sentences

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Jail sentences ranging from three years to one year have been issued for nine Ugandan-AMISOM soldiers for misconduct, fourteen days after the same court sentenced peacekeeper, Major Pop Francis Origi, to a year in prison for selling fuel in Mogadishu black market.

According to AMISOM, Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Court Martial in Mogadishu found the nine soldiers, who were part of a group implicated in fuel racket, guilty of misconduct.

Court Martial Chairman, Brig. Gen. Dick Olum announced the sentences for the senior and junior ranking military officers.

“The prosecution has proved all the accusations of pursuing personal interest and endangering operational efficiency beyond reasonable doubt. The accused persons are hereby convicted of the charges against them and this conviction is given under my hand and seal this 15th day of August 2016. You are convicted as charged,” Gen. Olum read out.

Three soldiers were also dishonorably discharged from the army while other saw their ranks demoted.

18 African Union peacekeepers in the country were accused of illicitly selling guns, ammunition and fuel to arms dealers or possibly to Al Shabaab militants.

Over 18,000-strong African Union forces prop up Somali National Army (SNA) in the fight against terror.

GAROWE ONLINE