Two Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) game rangers attached to Murchison Falls National Park were today (Tuesday) convicted and jailed for the murder of a truck driver in Apaa Trading Center in Nov, 2020.
They include Private Morris Opiyo Taban (31) who was sentenced to 10years in prison and Lance Corporal Lovis Okello (38) who was sentenced to a fine of 2 million shillings, upon default he will go to prison for 2 years.
Private Taban and Lance Corporal Okello were both convicted of murder and malicious damage to property respectively. The two were convicted by the UPDF Fourth Division Court Martial chaired by Lt. Col. George Nambafu, the Chairman Fourth Division Court Martial.
Vincent Opiyo was shot dead from Layima Junction, Apaa Trading Center in Adjumani District on November 13th 2020 during a scuffle between him and a joint team of UPDF and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
According to Col. Nambafo, evidences given by both prosecution and witnesses who include market vendors, post mortem report and ballistic expert proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offenses.
The ruling left Otim Mayita, the brother of the deceased, in tears who said they are not happy with the ruling because the court was too lenient to the convicts. Otim said they are going to appeal against the ruling.
Last week the court dropped the charges against Tony Malinga, the Manager of East Madi Wildlife Reserve due to lack of evidence to pin him.
