Ekwany Rebecca & Agency
A soldier from the Special Forces Command (SFC) has pleaded guilty to the killing of three civilians and injuring three others in Agago District.
Pte Bony Ameny, 32, confessed to the crimes on Tuesday while appearing before the Fifth Infantry Division Court Martial at Ngora East Village in Paimol Sub-county, Agago District.
Ameny who was deployed at 101 Commando attached to Pako Dongo Detach in Agago district was charged with seven counts of murder, attempted murder, forceful abduction and absenteeism from duty without official authorization.
The prosecution told the court that the accused person on or around October 20 2024, at around midnight, while in Ngora East, Ngora Parish, Paimol Sub-county in Agago District with malice aforethought caused the death of Ajalo Florence 16, Santina Akidi 55 and Sunday Apiyo 19 by shooting using gun number XH57/6867.
The prosecution also noted that the accused on or around the same date shot and injured Charles Kidega, Janet Apio 20, and one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Blessing Agenorwot.
On Count Seven, the accused was charged with absconding his duty station without authority.
Col Peter Musherewe, the Fifth Infantry Division Field Court Martial Chairperson convicted Private Ameny on his plea on all seven counts.
Pte Ameny however told the court that it wasn’t intentional while he committed the crimes and asked for a lenient sentence since he is the sole breadwinner for his children.
The convict noted that his target was his wife and her new husband but was confronted by locals prompting him to act in self-defence.
Ameny explained to the court that his actions were driven by his wife who fled his home in Lira district and abandoned his two children to stay with another man in Paimol Sub-County, Agago District.
Ameny said his wife fled on October 7 after stealing 16.5 million shillings in cash which he had obtained as a loan and had since been enjoying it with the new man.
Darius Agaba, the Convict’s Defence Counsel told the court that the convict is a first-time offender with no record of disciplinary case against him and prayed to the court for leniency since he is the sole breadwinner.
Lt Nekomiya Waiswa, the State prosecutor however objected to the defence mitigation and instead prayed to the court to hand the convict a maximum sentence arguing that he was a professional and well-trained soldier who knew what he was doing.
Col Musherewe yesterday adjourned the matter to today Wednesday when the court is expected to pass its judgement.
