Kampala — THE 4th division Military Court Martial has sentenced Sergeant Johnson Barugahare to life imprisonment for murdering Private Patrick Olok.

"Sergeant Barugahare of the UPDF 4th division head quarters was found guilty of causing the death of private Olok of 403 Brigade in the 3rd Division by ordering his shooting by one of the soldiers under his command.

"This was during a night patrol at Agonga parish, Bungatira sub-county in Gulu district on the night of June 26, 2008," northern army spokesman Capt. Ronald Kakurungu said on Thursday.

The soldiers shot Olok, who was on sick leave, claiming that he was a deserter caught robbing the residents of Agonga parish.

Sources said the killing of Olok was due to a land dispute.

Kakurungu said the court acquitted Private Adolf Akugi Zibwe, who shot Olok, saying he acted on the orders of his superior (Barugahare).

"The court's action is a manifestation of the UPDF zero tolerance to crimes among its ranks, a proof of a functional justice system in the force," Kakurungu said.