The family of Martine Obol, a 26-year-old soldier in the Special Forces Command (SFC), is calling for justice after his controversial death while under military detention. Obol passed away on December 31, 2024, at Mulago National Referral Hospital under circumstances his relatives say point to abuse and neglect by his colleagues and superiors.
Obol, identified by his service number RA/248019, had traveled to his home district of Pader in good health to celebrate Christmas with family. But just days after returning to his post, the family was shocked to receive news of his arrest and subsequent hospitalization under unclear conditions.
His uncle and longtime guardian, William Ochola, recounts that Obol had accompanied a fellow soldier to a bank on December 23. The two allegedly drank a small amount of alcohol during the outing. When Obol returned to the barracks, an altercation reportedly occurred, and he was allegedly assaulted by fellow soldiers that night while resting.
Family members say Obol later told them he was beaten severely, suffering injuries to his neck and arms. One soldier, according to Obol’s account, pressed a knee into his neck. On Christmas Day, unable to stand due to the pain, he missed his duty call and was arrested shortly afterward.
The same colleagues accused him of drunkenness and attempting to shoot them a claim he denied, according to relatives. Though he appeared once before a military court, where he was informed of charges including attempted murder and misconduct, the family insists he never received proper legal representation or medical attention while in custody.
Obol’s condition reportedly worsened rapidly while detained. By the time he was transferred to Mulago Hospital, it was too late. He died under military guard, without family by his side.
He was buried on March 3, 2025, in Bajere Village, Ajan Sub-county, Pader District, leaving behind a young wife, Patricia Aber, and their two-year-old daughter.
A postmortem report shared with the family indicated blood clots in the head and throat injuries the family believes confirm their suspicion of a violent assault. They were not present during the examination and have since demanded transparency, accountability, and compensation for Obol’s dependents.
“Martine served this country with dedication. What happened to him is heartbreaking,” said Francis Omony, another uncle. “The military must answer for this. We won’t rest until justice is served.”
Responding to the allegations, SFC spokesperson Major Jimmy Omara confirmed that a postmortem was carried out and a report prepared, though he declined to release its contents. He acknowledged Obol had been facing charges in a military court and was expected to return for another hearing in April 2025.
On the claims of assault, Omara said he was unaware of any such incident and promised to look into it. He advised the family to pursue their complaints through formal military procedures.
Still, Obol’s family says they won’t back down. They continue to push for an independent inquiry into the events that led to his death, punishment for those responsible, and full access to the benefits owed to his widow and child.
“We owe it to him,” said Ochola. “He didn’t deserve to die like that, and we won’t stop until the truth is known.”additional reporting by urn.
