Seven Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) officers have been sentenced to jail for assaulting journalists on Wednesday.
UPDF Spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekweso revealed that the 7 were involved in the assault of journalists who were covering NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi at UN offices in Kololo. Kyagulanyi was presenting an election petition to the UN delegation.
The UPDF officers who were on Thursday sentenced to Makindye Military Barracks are; Capt Jessy Odwenyi, Cpl Nimusiima Justine, Pte Wasswa Peter, Pte Tsame Imran, Pte Kisakye Victoria, Pte Opiyo Isaac and L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim.
“This is a deterrent measure to other members of the force not to engage in acts prejudicial to the good order and discipline of UPDF,” Brig Byekweso said in a tweet.
This latest action from UPDF comes a few hours after the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi promised that the Force will investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault of journalists yesterday in Kololo and prosecute the individual soldiers who were involved.
Addressing the Press at the Ministry of Defence headquaters Mbuya, Gen Muhoozi apologized to the media fraternity regarding the incident that happened yesterday saying such actions are regrettable and the UPDF as a professional institution doesn’t condone such acts.