Court in ADF victims' outreach campaign

The International Crimes Division of the High Court (ICD) has launched a week-long outreach program for victims of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group alleged atrocities ahead of Jamil Mukulu's trial. 

Justice David Wangutusi, head of the court, said the program is a platform for dialogue between the court and witnesses of the atrocities. 

"This is not a trial but we are here to build a relationship with the people who witnessed and were affected by the atrocities of the ADF so that when they come to court, they can testify freely and drive away from the stigma and fear," Wangutusi told a gathering in Jinja on Monday. 

Wangutusi explained that the court needed more information from the community and the public before the trial commences.  

The court's first stopover was in Jinja where it engaged the district leadership and representatives of criminal justice institutions.   

The program will spread to other parts of the country where the ADF is alleged to have made terror-related attacks according to the Judiciary principal communication officer, Solomon Muyita. 

The Victims' lawyers, Allan Nshimye lauded the judge for spearheading the outreach program saying that it will boost public confidence in the court. 

"I urge members who know the victims to encourage them to participate in the court process," Nshimye said.  

Transitional Justice Advisor at the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) secretariat Margret Ajok expressed the need to address gaps in transitional justice such as witness protection.  

Ajok, however, championed reconciliation, amnesty and reparations while handling cases terror-related matters. 

Mukulu was arrested in Tanzania in 2015 and extradited to Uganda for trial. On December 29, 2016, he was charged at Jinja Magistrate Court and later committed to the High Court to stand trial. 

The 56-year old Mukulu is indicted with several counts of murder, terrorism and aggravated robbery together with 37 others. 

They are Abdallah Sharif Ali Salim, Cpl. Alex Martin Engwau, Sgt. John Owori, Sheikh Ibrahim Badru Wanjala, Amis Adam, Abdul Malik Kabaale, Muzahamu Ndifuna, Ibrahim Kyessa, Yakubu Kyessa, Muhammad Muruya, and Abdallah Waniala.
Others are Abduswabul Kimbugwe, Muhammad Mbuya, Muhammad Kiryagana, Abdurahamani Muyaga, Muhammad Matovu, Omar Abdallah Mutuka, Amis Sowedi, Zaidi Kambo, Musa Kaala, Mansuudi Kisambira, Isa Kayira, Hassan Waswa, Abdallah Kirwani, Daniel Wanyama, Abdul Ddungu, Robert Wandera and Umayiya Kikomeko.