Hon. Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija
On Thursday February 17, 2022, the International Crimes Division led by Hon. Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija and Deputy Registrar, HW Beatrice Stella Atingu commenced an outreach in Pabbo Town Council, Amuru District to engage key stakeholders ahead of the resumption of hearings in the Thomas Kwoyelo case.
Mr Kwoyelo, who hails from Pabbo, is a former commander of the Lord's Resistance Army charged with 93 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The case is scheduled to resume its main trial hearings from March 01 to March 15 at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
The outreach, which took place in the Pabbo Town Council Hall aims at informing the community on the progress of the trial, receiving feedback from the victims' communities and adopting workable solutions for expediting of the trial process.
While addressing different stakeholders in Pabbo, Hon. Justice Bashaija noted that the Kwoyelo case is a serious priority on the record of the Judiciary and the Government of Uganda. "It is in the heart of the Judiciary to get this case out of the system so that justice is served," he said. Adding that the Judiciary is dedicated to setting aside funds for the success of the case.
He further expressed his concern for the need to protect the rights of the victims and witnesses in the case. "We are mindful of the rights of victims and witnesses and we take their protection very seriously." He noted
From the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Akello Florence encouraged witnesses to exercise confidentiality while communicating to leaders as their pillar of advice.
She highlighted challenges such as the difficult nature of the case, not forgetting the toll of the Covid-19pandemic that caused delays in the case.
Ms Akello urged leaders to be vigilant and help community members during the course of resumption of the trial. "The court has given assurance to do everything possible to complete this case, as leaders, be alert of any attempts to stop people from coming forward as witnesses," she said.
In reference to the Geneva Convention, Ms Akello condemned all crimes against humanity and urged the community to desist from participating or supporting any such acts.
On her part, the representative of Victim's Counsel, Ms Jane Amooti advocated for the victims who have suffered harm as a result of rebel activities and encouraged them to open up so ad to get Justice. "We come to interface with you to go deeper in encounters experienced and represent you in court. You have been allowed to participate, please come out, don't allow someone to victimize you," she said.
Mr Charles Dalton Opwonya, one of the defence lawyers for Thomas Kwoyelo noted the need to consider granting bail to his client considering that he has been in detention for 13 years yet he is not a convict.
During the outreach, members of the community raised concerns on what the Government will do for the victims, the source of funds for the Kwoyelo trial, and victims or witnesses protection in the aftermath of the case.
The other concerns were on the possibility of reconciliation and why rebel lord, Joseph Kony has not been charged.
Notably present included the Mayor, Mr Camhara Richard P. Okumu, the Deputy Mayor, Ms Akello Susan, the Speaker, Okot Robert and the Deputy Speaker, Ms Adiko Brenda, members of the community as well as Pabbo sub-county local council leaders.
Posted 17th, February 2022
