Kwoyelo has a case to answer, CID rules

The High Court International Crimes Division (CID) sitting in Gulu today has rules that Thomas Kwoyelo has a case to answer in 78 out of the 93 charges.

The former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander, better known as Latoni now will have to defend himself on 78 charges ranging from war crimes to crimes against humanity.

The ruling sent the Prosecution team from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), which prosecuted Kwoyelo, into jubilation.

Kwoyelo committed Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes among others during the rebellion of the LRA against the Government of Uganda between 1992 and 2005.

The crimes which Kwoyelo will have to defend himself against include Grave Breaches against the Fourth Geneva Convention under the Geneva Convention Act, 1964 including; Wilful killing, Taking hostages, Extensive destruction of property, Causing serious injury to body, and Inhumane treatment.

Other crimes include Crimes Against Humanity under Customary International law of Murder, Imprisonment, Rape, cruel treatment, Outrages upon personal dignity, Enslavement, Torture, Pillaging. Further, they include alternative charges of Murder, kidnap with intent to murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and offences under the Penal Code Act, Cap 120.

According to DPP, the loss of the 14 counts is attributed to death, relocation, loss of memory, and advanced age of some prosecution witnesses who could not testify.

The matter has been adjourned to 19th January 2024 for mention.

Prosecution will be handled by George William Byansi – Deputy DPP, Charles Richard Kaamuli – Assistant DPP, Florence Akello – Assistant DPP and Lillian Omara Alum – Chief State Attorney.

A panel of four judges is hearing the case and comprises Justice Michael Elubu – Head, Justice Stephen Mubiru, Justice Duncan Gaswaga and Justice Andrew Bashaija.

The accused is represented by Caleb Alaka – Senior Counsel, Evans Ochieng -Senior Counsel, Dalton Opwonya and Boris Geoffrey Anyuru – Counsel.

Counsel Amooti Jane Magdalene and Henry Komakech Kilama are the victims’ counsel.