Summary:
- On October 25, 2024, the ICD directed the victims’ counsel to file a formal application with the Attorney General joined as a party.
GULU: The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court, sitting in Gulu District, is currently hearing submissions on reparations in the case of Thomas Kwoyelo.
This stage aims to deliver justice by ensuring comprehensive redress for the victims and addressing the harm they suffered. It underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to balancing accountability with restoring dignity to those affected by Kwoyelo’s crimes.
The session is presided over by a panel of four judges: Justice Duncan Gaswaga (participating virtually), Justice Michael Elubu, Justice Stephen Mubiru, and Justice Andrew Bashaija.
Key participants in the proceedings include the Deputy Registrar of the International Crimes Division, Her Worship Juliet Harty Hatanga, and assessors Odongokara Franklin, Ocen Daniel, and Ajok Nighty.
Representing the victims are Henry Kilama Komakech and Amooti Jane Magdalene, while the Attorney General’s team comprises Johnson Kimera Natuhwera, Jackie Amusugut, Brian Musota, and Mathew Buzaarwa.
The defense team includes Caleb Alaka, Evans Ochieng, and Boris Anyuru, while the prosecution team is led by George William Byansi. Additionally, the amicus curiae team features Kevin Ayebare from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and Calvine Kilama from the Foundation for Justice and Development Initiatives (FJDI).
Notably, the proceedings are attended by defense counsel from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Joseph Kony case Christopher Gosnell and Anouk Sulien as well as members of the public.
On October 25, 2024, the ICD directed the victims’ counsel to file a formal application with the Attorney General joined as a party.
Kwoyelo was convicted in August 2024 of 44 crimes, including murder, torture, rape, pillaging, kidnapping with intent to murder, cruel treatment, and outrages upon personal dignity. Thirty-one alternative charges were dismissed.
The crimes were committed between March 1993 and June 2005 in Kilak County, particularly in Lamogi and Pabbo sub-counties of Amuru District.
Kwoyelo was sentenced to 40 years in prison. However, after deducting 15 years for time already served in custody at Luzira Maximum Prison since 2009, he will serve 25 years of the sentence.
