The Special Forces Command court martial has kicked off the trial of a soldier who is accused of allegedly shooting dead four family members and injuring others in Mayuge.
In June, Pte Herbertson Birivumbuka walked into the home of Isaac Isabirye Mudhasi, 42, who was found eviscerating chicken for a visitor and opened fire on the family members in Mayuge District in eastern Uganda.
According to Mirabu Namukose, who had visited, Mudhasi and two of his daughters Elesi Kafuko, 15, and Resty Kantono, 13, and a son Nicholas Mudhasi, 6, were killed on the spot, while his wife and four other family members sustained serious injuries.
On Monday, he was arraigned before the division court marital of SFG1 sat at Buwaya sub-county headquarters in Mayuge district and charged Pte Birivumbuka alongside three civilians including Patrick Tagaba, Sharifu Modasi and Meddie Muwumbia with five counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.
The court chaired by Lt Col Moses Nabasa and prosecution led by Lt David Basiima heard that on June, 29, 2024 at Nawavumbo village , Kabayingire parish , Buwaya sub county in Mayuge district, the group conspired to murder Isaac Isabirye Mudhasi and his family members contrary to section 188 and 189 of the Penal code Act.
They are also accused of attempted murder contrary to section 204 of the Penal Code Act.
Represented by Lt Hirald Rugyendo, Pte Birivumbuka and the other accused denied all the charges.
The Special Forces Command recently pledged to ensure justice for the deceased and injured is served.
“As UPDF (SFC), we would like to assure the population that our strategic relationship with the Wanainchi (citizens) will be highly maintained as we weed out errant members of the force,” SFC spokesperson, Maj Jimmy Omara said recently.
