ugnet_: Ghost soldiers' court martial

[Ed Kironde]

Would the following be enough reasons for CMI chief Col. Noble Mayombo, who is a lawyer, to excuse himself from the Court martial? No wonder the Court Martial has hit a snag on day one in the ghost soldiers’ trial. If so, then the CMI Chief Col Noble Mayombo should excuse himself from the tribunal trying the soldiers for abuse of office and corruption till the government of Uganda receives a final report from the UN panel.  It will be noted however, that Col Noble Mayombo though still on the UN panel list, was one of the individuals exonerated by The Porter Commission. The Porter Commission observed that UPDF, as an institution, had some weaknesses, which resulted into some of its officers directly or indirectly participating in the exploitation of the natural resources of the DRC. Some of the weaknesses pointed out were: (a) Poor investigation by UPDF commanders and the Chieftaincy of the Military Intelligence (CMI) (b) Lack of professionalism. (c) Misconduct by some of the UPDF officers.     MINING The Porter Commission stated that some individual senior officers and soldiers of the UPDF took advantage of their postings and participated in the exploitation of resources in the DRC. The Commission specifically cites Maj. Gen. Kazini, Col. Mayombo, Lt. Col. Mugyenyi, Maj. Sonko, Maj. Kagezi and Lt. David Okumu. It recommends an extremely careful inquiry into the complaints against UPDF officers implicated in the mining sector. Response: Government accepts and agrees with the above recommendation. International Travel Ban The Porter Commission did not agree with the recommendation of the Final UN Panel Report to impose travel bans on the following officers: Lt. General Salim Saleh, Col. Otafiire, Col. Mayombo, Col. Peter Kerim, Col. Burundi, Sam Engola and Mr. Piskunov. Incompetence In Investigations The Porter Commission observed that from the evidence of Maj. General Kazini, there is incompetence or total lack of inquiry and failure to deal effectively with breaches of discipline at senior levels. It further stated that from the evidence of Col. Mayombo, the Commission concluded that, Military Intelligence’s investigations are not good enough. Col. Mayombo admitted that some cases are not reported to Headquarters by field officers. The Porter Commission Report recommended a serious consideration of those holding senior posts in UPDF. Response: (a) While Government notes the above recommendation it wishes to point out that shortcomings of the few officers does not justify serious considerations of competence of all the other UPDF officers holding senior posts. (b) Government also reiterates that the ongoing Defence Review Programme will address such weaknesses, where they exist. The Porter Commission stated that the Commission heard evidence from the “Nairobi” witness that Col. Mayombo was involved in obtaining a payment of US$380,000 from RCD for the three of them. The Commission found the evidence not reliable, as the documents were questionable. Response: Government notes the Commission’s exoneration of the individuals above. The government of Uganda, which was also said to have been taken to the International Court of Justice by the DRC, appointed the Porter Commission. For the citizens to have a little faith of the outcome of the court martial, those heading it must appear to be somewhat clean.  There are unconfirmed incidents reported that suspected thieves chased by the police from the streets, drive towards the CMI headquarters.  The CMI chief must excuse himself from the tribunal before the whole group is tainted and labeled incompetent.     --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.558 / Virus Database: 350 - Release Date: 1/2/2004

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