Who is Thomas Kwoyelo, Ugandan LRA rebel commander on trial for war crimes?
Al Jazeera
Kwoyelo is the first member of the Lord’s Resistance Army militia group to face trial in Uganda.
Uganda’s high court will on Tuesday deliver judgement on the case of Thomas Kwoyelo, a former commander of the rebel group, Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), after more than 15 years of delay.
Kwoyelo is being tried by the international crimes division of the court based in northern Gulu city, a region at the centre of a decades-long rebellion.
It’s the first time Uganda has tried an LRA member, making this a historic moment for the country.
Murder, rape, intent to kill and several other war crimes make up the 78 counts of charges against Kwoyelo, who has denied the claims.
The trial is taking place amid several controversies: some have advocated for Kwoyelo’s release based on how long he was held in pre-trial detention by the Ugandan authorities, and based on the fact that others have faced amnesty. But others, including victims, say Kwoyelo was involved in killings and torture, and should face justice.
