Former Lord Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo is preparing his defense against war crimes accusations by enlisting former rebels as witnesses in his case. Kwoyelo, indicted with 93 charges related to war crimes allegedly committed between January 1995 and December 2005 in northern Uganda, is seeking witness protection measures from the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
During a recent court appearance, Kwoyelo’s legal team, led by lawyers Evans Ochieng, Caleb Alaka, and Charles Dalton Opwonya, requested the court to ensure the safety of witnesses. They disclosed plans to apply for witness protection measures, citing the need to safeguard identities and prevent potential implications for testifying individuals. With approximately 30 witnesses lined up, Kwoyelo’s defense aims to ensure a secure environment for testimonies.
The court, presided over by Justice Michael Elubu and assisted by deputy registrar Juliet Hatanga, acknowledged the request for witness protection. Judiciary Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana has secured resources to facilitate the proceedings as Kwoyelo prepares to present his defense in the High Court in Gulu. The case will reconvene on March 19, 2024, to schedule a hearing date.
Kwoyelo faces charges under various legal frameworks, including violations against the Geneva Convention, crimes against humanity, and offenses under the Penal Code Act. Despite his capture by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in the Garamba Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2005, Kwoyelo’s legal battle continues as he addresses allegations stemming from his involvement in the LRA insurgency.
