Judgement for LRA Commander Thomas Kwoyelo Set for August 13

The judgement in the case of Thomas Kwoyelo, a former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander facing war crime charges, is scheduled for August 13, 2024. This decision comes after years of legal proceedings involving serious allegations from his time with the LRA.

Judicial Panel and Schedule

A four-member judicial panel, led by Justice Michael Elubu, has been assigned to the case. The panel also includes Justices Duncan Gaswaga, Stephen Mubiru, and Andrew Byabashaija.

The prosecution and defence will present their final arguments on July 22, 2024. The court will then summarize the case for the assessors on July 23, 2024. The assessors, who will give their opinion on Kwoyelo’s guilt or innocence, are expected to deliver their views by August 2, 2024. The court will consider these opinions in its final judgement.

Legal Representation

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Charles Richard Kaamuli represents the state. Kwoyelo is defended by counsel Caleb Alaka, while counsel Robert Mackay represents the victims.

Kwoyelo’s Defence

Thomas Kwoyelo has denied all charges against him. He claimed he did not kill anyone and that his role in the LRA was to manage the sickbay, providing treatment to the wounded.

Charges Against Kwoyelo

Kwoyelo faces 93 charges related to war crimes allegedly committed in northern Uganda between January 1995 and December 2005.

In December 2023, the International Crimes Division court ruled that Kwoyelo had a case to answer on 78 of these charges. The accusations include violations of the Geneva Convention, crimes against humanity, and charges under the Penal Code Act.

Kwoyelo was captured by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the Garamba forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2005.

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