Thomas Kwoyelo, a former commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), known as Latoni, has recounted events in the history of the LRA insurgency and insights into the group’s operations and internal dynamics.
During his ongoing trial he detailed the exodus of LRA rebels from Sudan to the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through the River Nile, shedding light on the circumstances leading to his arrest and that of Vincent Otti, a prominent LRA figure.
Kwoyelo’s testimony delved into the tensions between LRA leader Joseph Kony and Otti, culminating in Otti’s arrest and subsequent execution. He described the chilling events surrounding Otti’s death, revealing the inner workings of the LRA’s command structure and the brutal consequences of dissent within the rebel ranks.
Central to Kwoyelo’s testimony was the account of his arrest, alongside Vincent Otti, a prominent figure within the LRA hierarchy. Kwoyelo offered a firsthand narrative of the tensions that simmered within the rebel ranks, culminating in Otti’s arrest and subsequent execution. His testimony provided chilling details of the events leading up to Otti’s demise, offering a glimpse into the ruthless command structure and internal dynamics of the LRA under the leadership of Joseph Kony.
The defense trial of Kwoyelo, resumed before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Gulu City. Kwoyelo, stands accused of a staggering 78 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between March 1994 and January 2005 in Kilak County, now part of Amuru District, returned to the courtroom after concerns surfaced regarding his deteriorating health.
The proceedings were temporarily adjourned after revelations from Uganda Prison authorities disclosed that Kwoyelo, 49, had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and ulcers, necessitating careful management of his health condition, including timely meals.
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