UPDF officer breaks down in court

A former commander of the UPDF in Somalia under Amisom, Col Hassan Kimbowa, yesterday stunned court when he wept as he pleaded with the Court Martial for justice.

Col Kimbowa, who was guided by lawyers Nsubuga Mubiru and Maj Ronald Iduli, told court that his good service during the Somalia operations have since deprived him of his privileges.

33 years in army

“I have worked for 33 years in the army; I have since made one statement and appeared once before a judge. But I have suffered for one year now in jail, my family is suffering and I cannot even be allowed to visit my ailing father who is 90-years and in the hospital at Bombo,” said a tearful Col Kimbowa at the General Court Martial at Makindye.

The former commander of Battle Group XI based at Masilla under Amisom is facing seven cases for allegedly giving fuel to Somali nationals contrary to the United Nationals Memorandum of Understanding which restricts giving out Amisom material to third party.

Charges

Col Kimbowa, who makes one year in jail this month, is also facing trial over charges of alleged conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the UPDF over the sale of 5,800 litres of diesel to third parties, contrary to the United Nations and Amisom rules.

Source: Daily Monitor