Family Demands Justice After Soldier Dies in UPDF Custody
kakooza Peter
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
The family of 26-year-old Martine Obol, a private in Uganda’s elite Special Forces Command (SFC), is asking for justice after his sudden death while being held by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Obol, service number RA/248019, died on December 31, 2024, at around 2 p.m. at Mulago National Referral Hospital, still under military custody. His family believes he was badly beaten by fellow soldiers, denied proper medical treatment, and that this caused his death.
What Happened to Martine?
His uncle, William Ochola, who raised him, said Martine came home to Pader District in good health for Christmas in December 2024. But shortly after going back to his military base, the family heard he had been arrested, though no clear reason was given.
Reports say that on or around December 23, Obol had gone with a fellow soldier to the bank to send money home. After drinking alcohol, he returned to the barracks and reportedly argued with some soldiers. That night, he was allegedly attacked while resting, with one soldier said to have knelt on his neck.
Martine later told his family that he had serious pain in his arms and neck after the beating. On Christmas Day, he didn’t go for duty because of the pain and was later arrested. Strangely, the same people who allegedly beat him also accused him of trying to shoot them. Martine denied these accusations.
He was taken to a military court only once, where he was told he was being charged with attempted murder, drunkenness, and use of bad language. According to the family, he was held without proper treatment, and his health quickly got worse.
What the Family Says
The family claims a postmortem was done without any of them being there. When they later got the report, it said Martine died because of blood clots in the head and throat — injuries they believe show he was physically assaulted.
They are now calling for a full investigation, asking that the people responsible be punished, and want Martine’s benefits and compensation to be given to his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
“Martine was loyal to his country. He didn’t deserve this,” said his uncle Francis Omony. “We need truth and justice.”
SFC spokesperson Major Jimmy Omara confirmed that a postmortem was done on March 31, 2025, and a report was written, but he refused to share the full details, saying it was out of respect for the family.
He confirmed Obol had been charged with attempted murder and other offenses and was supposed to return to court in April 2025, but he died before that could happen.
About the beating, Omara said he was not aware of any fight between Obol and other soldiers but promised to look into it. He advised the family to report their issues through official military channels.
Burial and Final Goodbye
Martine was laid to rest on April 3, 2025, at his uncle’s home in Bajere Village, Pakeyo Parish, Ajan Sub-county, Pader District. His death has left many questions, and his loved ones are still waiting for justice and answers.
