Kampala, Uganda | The Black Examiner — Major John Steven Oluka, aged 48, and Major Patrick Zakock Obor, of the 38th Zulu Battalion and commanders of the UPDF base in Somalia, have been brought before a military court in Makindye. The commanders are facing charges of cowardice in connection with their role during an assault by Al-Shabab insurgents.
The arraignment, overseen by presiding judge Brigadier General Freeman Robert Mugabe, saw both commanders, Oluka and Obor, plead not guilty to the charges laid against them. The accusations include failing to effectively lead the troops under their command during the attack, failing to engage the attacking Al-Shabab member, and exhibiting cowardice on the battlefield.
Prosecutor Private Regina Nanzala addressed the court, stating that investigations into the incident are ongoing. The court was requested to grant an extension until September 12, 2023, for the prosecution to provide updates on the progress of their inquiry.
The accused were represented by a legal team comprising Private Priscilla Kakande, Captain Nsubuga Busagwa, and Elizabeth Nyansingwa.
The prosecution asserts that the incident in question occurred on May 26 when Al-Shabab militants launched an attack on a UPDF camp situated in Bulomerer. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 54 soldiers’ lives and inflicted severe injuries upon others.
During the attack on the Bulomerer camp, Oluka and Obor purportedly issued orders for their soldiers to retreat and evade the attackers. However, by that point, the enemy had already encircled the camp, a violation of established rules of engagement.
Furthermore, the prosecution contends that both commanders failed to direct their subordinates to engage the enemy, thereby contravening the laws governing military commanders’ responsibilities in times of war.
President Museveni linked the severity of the attack to the alleged negligence and fear exhibited by the accused commanders. He emphasized that had Oluka and Obor fulfilled their obligations and taken decisive actions, the loss of UPDF soldiers’ lives could have been prevented.
This trial comes as a critical moment for examining the conduct of military leaders in the face of enemy threats, and its outcome is keenly awaited by observers both domestically and internationally.
