The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has ruled out reports that recently arrested soldiers erected the illegal roadblock in Kakoola village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso district.
Last week, two soldiers were arrested by 999 patrol operatives attached to Lumuli police post after locals reported that they had staged an illegal roadblock to rob motorists at gunpoint.
However, in the latest development by the Deputy UPDF Spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki, investigations conducted by the security body indicate that the soldiers caused traffic on the road because they were drunk when they were confronted by locals.
Akiiki says the suspects Pte Leti and Pte Oleti were drunk and returning to their deployment from a local bar when they stopped on the road.
Motorists who wanted to move past the duo were blocked as they pulled out a gun, prompting an exchange with the locals.
He further states that when the drunken soldiers were arrested, they made a phone call to their commander Sgt Tonny Awiyo, who stormed the Lumuli Police post with his colleagues and demanded the OC to release the suspects. Sgt Awiyo is a commander of the unit guarding the home of the retired Deputy Chief Justice.
According to Akiiki, the soldiers acted under the influence of alcohol and will be charged before the Court Martial alongside three others. They include Sgt Awiyo for failing to supervise his subordinates, Corporal Niclous Kasaija and Pte Javira Kazib
Akiiki says Sgt Awiyo should not have released the suspects from detention because it is unlawful.
Last week, Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson, said eight soldiers attacked Lumuli Police Station to rescue Pte Leti and Pte Oleti, who he says had staged a roadblock to steal from motorists.
