HW Beatrice Stella Atingu - Deputy Registrar (ICD)
The International Crimes Division (ICD) on Wednesday February 23, 2022 concluded its outreach programme in northern Uganda, following a sensitization exercise at the Pearl Afrique Hotel in Gulu to enlighten the community on the status of Thomas Kwoyelo case.
The Division's Deputy Registrar, HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, informed the participants that the Kwoyelo trial would resume on March 1, 2022 with hearing testimonies from expert witnesses. This will take place at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala and the sessions will be streamed live at Gulu High Court.
The Head of ICD, Hon. Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija noted that the Judiciary is committed to having the Thomas Kwoyelo case disposed of. "The trial will resume on March 1, 2022 and will run for 14 working days," he said.
The Judge called upon witnesses to play their part in supporting the successful completion of the trial. "Many are afraid of testifying for or against Kwoyelo, this gives an impression that the war is not yet over. We encourage you to come forward to give evidence because it will be treated with utmost confidentiality," he said.
He also noted that the Court's alignment with the Juba Peace Agreement requires a justice mechanism to address accountability and reparations for atrocities that were committed in Northern Uganda.
Rtd Bishop MacLeod Baker Ochola II, a war victim, pointed out the need to consider abductees as part of the victims.
He advocated for a cultural justice system that entails truth and reconciliation in society. "We should be thinking about justice in a godly way while putting into consideration that most people were victims of circumstances," Bishop Ochola said.
Prior to this engagement, the ICD had held a similar outreach at Lamogi Town Council Hall on Monday February 21, 2022, where the community proposed that Government erects monuments in various communities with names of those died in the war.
The other proposal was a special day be designated on the national calendar to remember the lives thatperished during the Lord Resistance Army war in Northern Uganda.
The War Victims and Children's Network and the Foundation for Justice and Development Initiative also took part in the outreach.
Notably present were Sheikh Musa Khalil, the Kadhi of Acholi Region, Ms Margaret Orik Obonyo, the Northern Prisons Commander and Mr Rwot Collins Atiko, a Cultural chief, among other stakeholders.
Posted 23rd, February 2022
