The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has set August 13, 2024, for the ruling on the case involving Thomas Kwoyelo, a former rebel commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The announcement follows the completion of the defense hearing before the four-member panel of justices led by Michael Elubu at the Gulu High Court Circuit.
Kwoyelo, who has been in custody since 2009 at Luzira Maximum Prison in Kampala, is the first LRA commander to face trial in a domestic court for the atrocities committed during the LRA’s brutal campaign in Northern Uganda.
The trial commenced on April 15, 2024, four months after the court determined Kwoyelo had a case to answer for 78 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The charges, which span from 1993 to 2005 in Kilak County, present-day Amuru District, include murder, kidnapping with intent to murder, pillaging, aggravated robbery, cruel treatment, enslavement, torture, rape, and outrages upon personal dignity. Kwoyelo has denied all charges against him, offering unsworn defense statements.
According to a notice released by Hatanga Harty Juliet, the Deputy Registrar at the ICD court, the decision follows the close of the defence hearing. Kwoyelo’s defense team, included Caleb Alaka while Counsel Robert Macay represented the victims. Defence presented four witnesses.
The prosecution, represented by Assistant DPP Charles Richard Kaamuli, presented a total of 54 witnesses since the trial began in March 2019.
Key dates leading to the ruling include:
- June 21, 2024: Prosecution’s reply to defense submissions.
- June 21, 2024: Victims’ counsel submissions.
- June 28, 2024: Defense’s rejoinder.
- July 22, 2024: Prosecution and defense to highlight their submissions.
- July 23, 2024: Court will sum up for the assessors.
- August 2, 2024: Assessors expected to round up their opinions.
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