Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier accused of shooting dead four family members in Alebtong District in December last year, pleaded guilty to four counts of murder against him on Monday, February 4.
Pt Isaac Newton Okello, a 43-year-old UPDF soldier attached to the 3rd Infantry Division in Moroto pleaded guilty to shooting dead a 35-year-old Emmy Okello (his brother), 29-year-old Betty Arao (wife to the brother who was seven months pregnant) and their three-year-old son, Elvis Okullo.
While appearing before the 3rd Infantry Division court martial chaired by Col J.B Katongole, in Alebtong District, Pt Okello told court that he killed his brother because of land wrangles and that he was also angry at his brother for snatching his girlfriend.
Pt Okello further accused the late Emmy Okello of using witchcraft to kill their other brother, something he said prompted him to revenge by shooting the brother’s entire family.
Pt Okello attached to UPDF 405 Brigade in Moroto District was arrested on December 12, 2018, three days after the shooting.
The 3rd infantry division court martial on Monday charged him with four counts of murder contrary to section 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 120 and killing unborn child is contrary to section 212 of the Penal Code Act.