Mogadishu (SD) – The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has today handed down various sentences to the officers and soldiers involved in the killing of civilians in Golweyn area of Lower Shabelle region.

The military court sentenced two AMISOM army officers to death by firing squad. Two others were also sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The verdict took place today inside the Halane Camp in Mogadishu and was attended by relatives of those murdered.

Relatives of those killed by AMISOM forces in Golweyn, Lower Shabelle region, have issued a statement today, welcoming the sentencing of the five soldiers and officers who were convicted of deliberately killing civilians.

The relatives, who held a press conference in Mogadishu this afternoon, said they had regularly attended the trial of the AMISOM soldiers at Halane camp, and said they were satisfied with the process.

“People who have been killed, have the right to compensation. We are now starting the compensation fight. We argue that the Ugandan government pay the relatives of those killed illegally. If Uganda does not pay, we will take it under international law. Our people will not be killed like animals. No one can escape international law,” said a spokesman for the victims.

The gruesome killing of seven civilians happened in August of this year, with the convicted soldiers blowing up the bodies of the innocent civilians.