In a landmark ruling on November 20, 2024, the 5 Infantry Division Field Court Martial sentenced Private Ameny Bonny, 32, to death for the murder of three residents in Ngora East Village, Paimol Sub-County, Agago District.
The court, chaired by Colonel Peter Musherere, delivered the sentence after a two-day hearing held in the same village where the crimes occurred.
Private Ameny, a soldier in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was charged with seven counts, including three of murder, two of attempted murder, one of abduction, and one of desertion.
The charges stemmed from events on October 20, 2024, when Ameny deserted his post at Pakondong Detach and went to Ngora East Village in search of his wife, Ogom Betty, whom he accused of infidelity.
Armed and agitated, Ameny fatally shot three residents, injured two others—including a one-year-old child—and abducted a local man, Obita Richard, forcing him at gunpoint to disclose his wife’s whereabouts.
During the trial, Ameny pleaded guilty, citing frustration and emotional distress caused by his wife’s disappearance with UGX 16.5 million he had lent her to start a business. He claimed that repeated attempts to seek help from her family and the police yielded no results, leading him to take matters into his own hands.
Prosecutor Lt Nekemiya Waiswa condemned Ameny’s actions as premeditated and deliberate, emphasizing the devastating impact on the victims’ families and the community. “As a soldier of sound mind, Ameny had a duty to protect civilians, not harm them,” Waiswa stated.
The defense counsel, Pte Agaba Darius, appealed for leniency, highlighting Ameny’s previously clean record, his role as a breadwinner for three children and siblings, and his remorseful conduct during the trial.
Despite these arguments, the court ruled in favor of the harshest penalty, citing the severity of the crimes. Colonel David Opeero, Deputy Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, commended the community for their cooperation during investigations and reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to justice and accountability. He urged soldiers to resolve personal grievances through lawful means and avoid actions that harm civilians.
The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of personal disputes escalating into violence, especially when combined with access to weapons, and reinforces the UPDF’s commitment to upholding discipline within its ranks.