Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-19 07:44:27
Thomas Kwoyelo (C) talking to his lawyers
Ousted Sudan President Omar al-Bashir was behind the formation of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) outfit that terrorized northern Uganda for years according to former rebel commander, Thomas Kwoyelo alias Latoni. Kwoyelo’s defense trial, which began this week Tuesday at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High court, was prematurely adjourned on Thursday by the trial judge after Kwoyelo said he was exhausted. At the time, Kwoyelo had already appeared before the four-member panel of the ICD judges to present his defense against 78 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The former colonel in LRA has been presenting an unsworn defense in court against the charges relating to murder, kidnapping with intent to murder, cruel treatment, enslavement, torture, rape, and outrages upon personal dignity. He explained to the court that before the infamous name of LRA, the rebels were called Lakwena until a meeting between top leaders and the then President al-Bashir. At the time, LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony was deputized by Otti Lagony who had replaced Komakech Omona.
In the hierarchy of the LRA according to Kwoyelo, Okello Matata at the time deputized Otti, while Caesar Acellam was appointed the director of intelligence. Okello Can Odonga was the director of operations and Nyeko Tolbert Yasin was the chief political advisor (CPA). The LRA later formed a new brigade named Trinkle, consisting of high-ranking rebels from the high command. The Trinkle brigade was commanded by Odongo Acellam, an aide-de-camp (ADC) of Kony. Kwoyelo has been facing trial since 2018 on allegations of community war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between March 1993 and January 2005.
On the third day of the trial, Kwoyelo appeared exhausted and paused midway, requesting the court to grant him rest, citing fatigue and high blood pressure. The presiding judge, Justice Michael Elubu, adjourned the court proceeding for 30 minutes to allow Kwoyelo to rest. However, when court resumed, Kwoyelo’s defense lawyers requested for an adjournment citing the need for a medical examination due to their client’s health concerns.
The defense plea was not objected by the assistant director of public prosecution, and the trial was adjourned to the following day. Kwoyelo had earlier presented to court accounts of his life in LRA captivity, including his role as a medical personnel in sick bays between Uganda and Sudan. He explained how fighters in the sick bays were unable to go for operations as their duty was to assist the sick and ensure their healing.
Kwoyelo’s testimony shed light on the inner workings of the LRA and the influence of al-Bashir in the formation of the rebel group. His defense trial continues as he seeks to present his side of the story and defend himself against the serious charges he faces. The adjournment for medical examination highlights the importance of ensuring the well-being of the accused during legal proceedings, emphasizing the need for a fair and just trial process.
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