Pte Herbertson Birivumbuka, a soldier from Uganda’s Special Forces Command, has been sentenced to death after confessing to the murder of five family members in Mayuge district.
The court-martial, held at Buwaya, also imposed extensive prison sentences for multiple attempted murders and conspiracy charges related to the brutal incident.
A court-martial held at Buwaya in Mayuge district has sentenced UPDF soldier Pte Herbertson Birivumbuka to death following his chilling admission to murdering a family of five as an act of revenge.
The proceedings, presided over by Lt Col Moses Nabasa of the Special Forces Command (SFC), underscored the severity of Birivumbuka’s actions, handing down an array of sentences for his multiple offenses, including 95 years for attempted murder and additional prison terms for conspiracy.
The soldier was convicted of shooting five members of the family of Isaac Isabirye Mudhasi, aged 42, all of whom were found inside Mudhasi’s residence. During sentencing, Lt Col Nabasa emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “These offenses are of a serious nature, and there is a need to deter others from committing the same.” After considering mitigating factors and the four months Birivumbuka had already served, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the death sentence will be the ultimate penalty.
The trial also implicated civilians Patrick Tagaba, who received a one-year sentence, and a second civilian who was handed six months for conspiracy to murder.
A third civilian, Sharifu Modasi, was acquitted and set free. Reactions in the courtroom were mixed but included relief and even applause from some attendees, who saw the sentence as a fitting response to the brutal incident.
Birivumbuka’s trial and sentencing mark a significant moment for the UPDF, highlighting the military’s commitment to maintaining discipline and accountability among its ranks.
His sentence will be served at Luzira Maximum Prison, although he retains the right to appeal within 14 days. The outcome of this high-profile case is likely to reinforce the stance that the UPDF does not tolerate criminal acts, particularly those that violate the fundamental rights of civilians.
Observers hope that the verdict will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders, reassuring the public of the military’s resolve in handling grave misconduct within its ranks and maintaining public trust in the armed forces.
