Kwoyelo lawyers object to 92 charges slapped against him

Mar 15, 2017

Yesterday, lawyers led by Caleb Alaka told the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court presided over by Susan Okalany that there was duplication of charges by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Lawyers representing former Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) commander, Thomas Kwoyelo have objected to the 92 charges slapped against him, saying it does not disclose the punishments.

Yesterday, lawyers led by Caleb Alaka told the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court presided over by Susan Okalany that there was duplication of charges by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

"He is charged with the murder or rape of someone under the International Customary Law and under the Penal Code Act," Alaka observed. He therefore argued that this renders the charge sheet defective.

He also observed that the charge sheet does not explain the ingredients of the offences to enable Kwoyelo defend himself. Alaka was assisted by Evans Ocheng. They therefore asked court to set Kwoyelo free.

However, prosecution supported the charges but was not ready to present their arguments, prompting the Judge to adjourn the case to today (Thursday).

On Tuesday, DPP slapped 92 charges against Kwoyelo, 45. They are murder, kidnap, rape, defilement, robbery, attempted murder and crimes against humanity.

After the charges were read out to Kwoyelo, the Judge told him that he was not required to plead to it at the pre-trial stage because the charges has not yet been confirmed. "Just listen and understand charges preferred against you".

The offences were committed in the context of a non-international armed conflict that existed in Northern Uganda between LRA and UPDF together with associated armed units between 1987 and 2009.

The armed hostilities exceeded in intensity, internal disturbances and tension such as riots, isolated and sporadic acts of violence.   

Thousands of people reportedly lost lives and properties in activities by the Joseph Kony-led LRA rebel outfit.Clad in a white T-shirt and black pair of trouser, Kwoyelo looked composed as he stood in the dock while following the proceedings. He has been on remand at Luzira Prisons since 2008 when he was captured.

 

Procedurally, after the pre-trail stage, the Judge confirms the charges basing on the disclosed evidence and there after forwards it to a panel of three Judges for hearing.

 

Born in Acut-Omer village in Amuru district, Kwoyelo was abducted in 1987, at the age of 15 until when he was arrested in 2008 at the age of 36. ​

 

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