Uganda's President visits parish of murdered Irish priest

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni

travelled today to the northeastern Karamoja region where he was scheduled to visit the parish of murdered Irish priest Fr Declan O'Toole, an official said.

Fr O'Toole, 31, his driver and an employee of his Panyangela parish were killed when assailants opened fire on their vehicle as they drove through the Kotido district of Karamoja on March 21.

Two Ugandan soldiers, Corporal James Omedio and Private Abdullah Mohammed were tried for the Mill Hill missionary's murder.

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They were convicted by a military tribunal and executed in public by firing squad on Monday evening.

Fr O'Toole's order and the Irish Government have raised concerns that the abrupt execution of the two soldiers may have been an attempt to cover up an army revenge killing.

Mr Museveni's press secretary Mary Okurut told AFPthat the president would also have meetings with the local people over an ongoing disarmament exercise in the area.

Fr O'Toole had complained about brutality by soldiers carrying out the disarmament, a move aimed at reducing violent cattle rustling in the area.

Karamojong elders were expected to tell Mr Museveni about the brutality by the army, particularly the alleged killing of a local leader and the death a week ago of a pregnant woman who was reportedly beaten by soldiers.

AFP