Former LRA Commander Thomas Kwoyelo Denies All War Crimes Charges in Ugandan Court

Thomas Kwoyelo, a former commander in Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), has denied all 78 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity brought against him by the Ugandan government. The charges, which contravene the Geneva Convention and Penal Code Act, were reportedly committed on the civilian population of northern Uganda while Kwoyelo was an LRA commander.

Kwoyelo is facing the charges before a panel of four judges at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court in Gulu. He has described the charges as baseless, claiming that he was a medical personnel in the LRA and never led any attacks or war. Kwoyelo has accused some witnesses of providing false information to penalize him, and he has also claimed that everything that happened in the bush was commanded by rebel leader Joseph Kony.

Why this matters: The trial of Thomas Kwoyelo represents a significant step in holding LRA commanders accountable for alleged atrocities committed during the long-running conflict in northern Uganda. The outcome of this case could have implications for transitional justice and reconciliation efforts in the region.

Specifically, Kwoyelo has denied murdering his brother-in-law, Obwoya Albert, in 1993. Kwoyelo claims he was an escort at the time and could not have commanded any operation, and that Obwoya was his closest relative, so he had no reason to kill him. Kwoyelo has appealed to the court to dismiss the murder case, arguing that government soldiers may have been responsible. His lawyer has lined up 13 defense witnesses to testify on Kwoyelo's behalf.

During his testimony before the court, Kwoyelo revealed that LRA leader Joseph Kony had spared his life on the advice of his spirits. Kony had arrested Kwoyelo and LRA Deputy Leader Vincent Otti in 2008, suspecting them of plotting to surrender to the government. However, Kony was told by a spirit named Mama Cellini that Kwoyelo was innocent, and he was subsequently released.

Kwoyelo also recounted the events of a 2008 government attack on the LRA in Garamba, where he was shot and severely injured. He was hidden by his escorts and eventually found by the UPDF, who combed the battle scene. Kwoyelo's trial has been adjourned due to his poor health, and he has asked the court for a special food diet to manage his ulcers.

As the trial continues, Kwoyelo maintains his innocence against the 78 charges leveled against him. His defense team aims to challenge the prosecution's case and present evidence to support Kwoyelo's claims. The International Crimes Division court in Gulu will hear testimony from both sides before rendering a verdict in this landmark case related to the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.

Key Takeaways

• Thomas Kwoyelo, ex-LRA commander, denies 78 war crimes charges in Uganda.
• Kwoyelo claims he was a medical personnel, not a commander, and blames Kony.
• Kwoyelo denies murdering his brother-in-law, claims government soldiers responsible.
• Kony spared Kwoyelo's life in 2008 on advice of spirits, according to Kwoyelo.
• Kwoyelo's trial adjourned due to poor health, seeks special diet for ulcers.