Ugandan high-ranking army officers face court-martial for 'cowardice' in Somalia

The Ugandan military has launched a court-martial trial in an unconventional setting as two high-ranking army officers face charges of "cowardice" during an Al Shabaab attack in Somalia. Held in Mogadishu, the trial of Major Steven Oluka and Major Zadock Obor, former commanding officers of military bases in southwest Somalia, is overseen by Brigadier General Robert Mugabe, chair of the General Court Martial (GCM).

The officers are accused of failing to inspire bravery among their soldiers during the encounter with Al Shabaab, resulting in the tragic deaths of 54 peacekeepers. Additionally, four non-commissioned officers are facing trial for mishandling war materials, a violation of the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) Act.

While the General Court Martial sessions typically take place in Makindye, Kampala, the decision to conduct the trial in Somalia reflects the jurisdiction of the court to operate wherever the UPDF is engaged. The trial is expected to last two weeks, with the court delivering appropriate verdicts and sentences for the guilty and the innocent.