Leaders in the Lango subregion have appealed to the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) to carry out in-depth investigations against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) chief Joseph Kony and indict more charges against him.

Meeting civil society, religious, cultural leaders and the media last week at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City, they welcomed the 33 charges against the LRA leader but said it was not enough since there was overwhelming evidence for the atrocities he committed.

William Acol, the director of Corruption Brake Crusade, a community-based organisation, said many victims in northern Uganda had lost hope over the case, thinking it is no more, but the coming of ICC showed that the fire was still burning.

Dahirou Sant Anna, the international cooperation advisor in the office of the ICC prosecutor, held engagements on the judicial development on Ongwen and Kony cases.

Anna said the court had confirmed the conviction and sentencing of Ongwen after the appeal, while it is also seeking authorisation to hold a hearing on the confirmation of charges against Kony in absentia.

“As the court goes on to look at the charges, they will be able to redefine and I am happy the process will involve most stakeholders who are concerned in this case,” Acol said.

“Now my concern is how long this process will take before it possibly winds off then we are reminded that something has started?” Acol asked.

Anthony Otim, an Uganda Human Rights Commission officer in its Lira office, urged the court to intensify the search for Kony and arrest him.

“I still believe that people know where Kony is because you cannot confirm the charges against a person of whom you are not aware. You should look for and arrest him,” Otim said.

Margaret Akullo Elem, one of the women who participated in the Juba Peace process between the LRA and the Government, on Tuesday questioned why only 33 charges were drawn against Kony in contrast to Ongwen, who was convicted on 61 charges.