Nine Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers serving in Somalia have been sentenced to prison for misconduct, the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) said Tuesday.

The army men were found guilty of running a fuel racket in Somalia, where they were serving as part of the African Union peacekeeping force.

The Ugandan military court, sitting in Mogadishu, handed the soldiers between one and three years jail terms for misconduct and violating peacekeeping rules and regulations.

“The prosecution has proved all the accusations of pursuing personal interest and endangering operational efficiency beyond reasonable doubt. The accused persons are hereby convicted of the charges against them,” Brig. Gen. Dick Olum, who headed the court, told the soldiers. 

Three of the soldiers have also been "dismissed with disgrace from the army."

Uganda has the largest contingent in the 22,000-strong peacekeeping force deployed, since 2007, to fight against the Al Shabaab terrorist group.

Amisom said, in the statement, that the soldiers will be imprisoned at Luzira prison in Uganda.

Those dismissed from the army include Major Sulait, who was handed three-year jail term; Corporal Sekandi Ronald (two years); and Private Tibaijuka Expedito (two years).

Staff Sergeant Abwot Richard, Corporals Kasule Budala and Atugiriire Dennis were each handed 18 months in prison and demoted including Major Kundu Weyaula (one year jail term).

Warrant Officer II Kakooza Mathew and Private Mwanja Noah got 18 months each.