(Gulu) – The International Crimes Division of Uganda’s High Court in Gulu sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison, applying a 15 year deduction for time spent on remand. Kwoyelo, who was convicted of multiple counts including murder, kidnapping, rape, and torture, will serve the remaining 25 years effective from October 25, 2024.
Justice Michael Elubu, presiding over the sentencing, stated that the “totality principle” had been observed, ensuring that all sentences run concurrently. Justice Elubu further noted that Kwoyelo has 14 days to appeal the sentence or conviction.
The court also addressed reparations for Kwoyelo’s victims, setting in motion proceedings for compensation claims. Justice Elubu instructed victims’ attorneys to file a formal application by November 8, 2024, including the Attorney General as a party. Responses from the prosecution, Attorney General, and defense are to be submitted by November 22, 2024, with rejoinders due by November 29. Additional parties wishing to participate may file applications by this date, pending further court directives.
Kwoyelo’s legal representative, Caleb Alaka, confirmed plans to appeal the conviction and sentence within the prescribed timeframe.
Victims of the crimes, such as Richard Kirom and Grace Adong, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, describing the sentence as insufficient in light of the suffering endured. Adong, who was abducted at age nine, tearfully recounted the trauma of forced marriage and captivity, saying, “I feel like court has done very little to deliver justice to us.”
Judge Duncan Gaswaga explained that although the law allows for a death sentence for crimes of murder and kidnapping with intent to murder, it was not pursued in this case. The court considered factors such as Kwoyelo’s prolonged remand time, Uganda’s Amnesty Act, the Geneva Conventions Act, and the broader goal of transitional justice in reaching a balanced sentence.
In determining Kwoyelo’s sentence, the court examined aggravating and mitigating factors. The prosecution recommended life imprisonment for murder and kidnapping, alongside sentences ranging from 15 to 50 years for other crimes, while the defense requested that the 15 years already served be deemed sufficient. Kwoyelo acknowledged his actions, pleading for leniency from the judges.
| Key Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 25, 2024 | Effective date of Kwoyelo’s remaining 25 year sentence |
| November 8, 2024 | Deadline for victim’s counsel to file reparations application |
| November 22, 2024 | Deadline for response submissions from prosecution, Attorney General, and defense |
| November 29, 2024 | Final deadline for rejoinders and additional parties to file applications |
