By Frank Kamuntu
The High Court International Crimes Division in Gulu on Monday ruled that the former Lord’s Resistance Army Commander Kwoyelo Thomas has a case to answer in 78 cases against him.
Appearing before a panel of four judges comprising Justice Michael Elubu-Head, Justice Stephen Mubiru, Justice Duncan Gaswaga and Justice Andrew Bashaija, Kwoyelo is facing trial on several offences including violations against the Geneva Convention under the Geneva Convention Act, charges against humanity, charges under the penal code Act, among others.
The Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution Ms Jackline Okwi said it’s the first time the Office of DPP is charging someone with such international crime. “The prosecution was able was able to adduce substantial evidence to prove to the required standards of 78 charges,” Ms Okwi said.
The International Crimes Division of the Highest Court ruled that 78 charges out of 93 had sufficient evidence and therefore put Kwoyelo on his defence.
Kwoyelo Thomas was captured by Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in the Garamba forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2005.
He is charged with 93 offences including charges against humanity like; rape, torture, murder, abduction, aggravated robbery, and imprisonment, among others.
The Court was adjourned to 19th January 2024 for mention.
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