The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) in Uganda has secured a ruling of a case to answer against Kwoyelo Thomas alias Latoni.

Kwoyelo, a former Lords Resistance Army (LRA) commander, is facing 78 charges.

The High Court International Crimes Division on Monday, December 18 ruled that Kwoyelo has a case to answer in 78 out of 93 charges and therefore put him on his defence.

Kwoyelo was being prosecuted by the ODPP for 93 crimes including crimes against humanity and war crimes among others committed during the rebellion of the LRA against the Government of Uganda from 1992-2005.

The crimes included grave breaches against the Fourth Geneva Convention under the Geneva Convention Act, 1964 including; wilful killing, taking hostages, extensive destruction of property, causing serious injury to body, and inhumane treatment.

They also include Crimes Against Humanity under Customary International Law of Murder, imprisonment, rape, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, enslavement, torture, pillaging.

Further, they include alternative charges of murder, kidnap with intent to murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and offences under the Penal Code Act, Cap 120.

The matter has been adjourned to 19th January 2024 for mention.

This case is being prosecuted by George William Byansi – Deputy DPP, Charles Richard Kaamuli – Assistant DPP, Florence Akello -Assistant DPP and Lillian Omara Alum – Chief State Attorney.

A panel of four judges is hearing the case and comprises Justice Michael Elubu, Justice Stephen Mubiru, Justice Duncan Gaswaga and Justice Andrew Bashaija.

The accused is represented by Caleb Alaka- Senior Counsel, Evans Ochieng- Senior Counsel, Dalton Opwonya and Boris Geoffrey Anyuru- Counsel.