(Gulu) – The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has scheduled October 16, 2024, as the date for sentencing Thomas Kwoyelo, a former commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The announcement was made by IDC Deputy Registrar Juliet Harty Hatanga on September 2, 2023, in Pabbo Town Council, Amuru District.
Kwoyelo was convicted on August 13, 2024, of 44 offenses by a panel of four trial judges at the Gulu High Court Circuit in Gulu City. The charges against him included murder, rape, kidnap, torture, inhumane acts, cruel treatment, aggravated robbery, and pillaging, among others. Originally charged with 78 counts, the court found him guilty of 44 offenses, acquitted him of three, and dismissed 31.
The crimes committed by Kwoyelo between 1994 and 2005 in various areas of Amuru District were determined to be violations of several sections of the Penal Code Act, Article 3 common to the Geneva Convention, and Customary International Law. The court’s decision was delivered in the presence of the convict, his defense team, the prosecution, and the victims’ counsels.
Justice Michael Elubu read the summary of the judgment on behalf of the other trial judges, Duncan Gaswaga, Stephen Mubiru, and Andrew K. Basaija.
In addition to the sentencing, the court will also issue a reparation order for Kwoyelo’s victims. These reparations will be determined and registered according to established protocols. Hatanga noted that if Kwoyelo is found to be indigent, the government would be required to provide funds for the reparations.
Hatanga emphasized the enduring nature of criminal law, stating, “The beauty of criminal law is that it never expires. What is important first of all is for the victims’ counsels to do a good job, which they are already doing. Once the orders are in place, it will never be too late.”
Hatanga led a team from the ICD to Pabbo Town Council to brief the victims on the court proceedings and what they should expect following Kwoyelo’s sentencing. The team included Lady Justice Susan Okalany, an ICD judge of the High Court of Uganda, and representatives from the defense, prosecution, and victims’ counsels.
During the briefing, one of the secondary victims of Kwoyelo’s crimes, whose identity remains undisclosed for ethical reasons, requested the court to ensure reparations for the victims. The victim highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by those affected, particularly in raising children who lost their parents due to Kwoyelo’s actions. He suggested that these children be provided with hands-on skills such as tailoring and hairdressing to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
Kwoyelo, now 49 years old, is the son of Jokodino Omona Opoto-tap (deceased) and Joselina Oyella. He was one of 11 siblings, five of whom have since passed away. Kwoyelo’s life took a dark turn in 1987 when, at the age of 13, he was abducted by LRA rebels while walking home from Pabbo Girls Primary School, located in Pabbo Sub-county, Amuru District.
