×
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • HOT 100
  • SOCIAL
  • FEATURED
  • ×
    close
    profile photo
    National

    Kwoyelo Victims Express Discontent Over 40-Year Sentence

    41 views
    Kwoyelo Victims Express Discontent Over 40-Year Sentence
    • October 29, 2024 • 7 days ago
    in summary
    Justice Duncan Gaswaga explained that there was no evidence to suggest Kwoyelo posed an ongoing threat to society, which contributed to the decision not to impose life imprisonment.

    GULU, UGANDA | A group of victims affected by the crimes of former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo has voiced dissatisfaction with the 40-year prison sentence handed down by Uganda's International Crimes Division of the High Court.

    Kwoyelo was sentenced on Friday for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between March 1993 and June 2005 in what is now Amuru district. Justice Michael Elubu remarked that the sentence reflects the severity of Kwoyelo's offenses, particularly the murder charges.

    In August, Kwoyelo was found guilty of 44 crimes, including torture, murder, pillaging, kidnap with intent to murder, rape, and cruel treatment. Following the 15 years he has already served since 2009, he will effectively serve 25 years.

    While some victims welcomed the sentence, others expressed frustration, deeming it inadequate given the severity of Kwoyelo’s actions. Richard Kirom, a victim from Pabbo Sub-county, stated that he believes the sentence does not serve justice, as Kwoyelo will be eligible for release after only 25 years. Kirom advocated for expedited reparation processes for victims.

    Grace Adong, who was attacked in the Pagak Internally Displaced Persons Camp, was also disappointed, expecting a life sentence for Kwoyelo. She shared her anguish over the suffering she endured after being abducted by the LRA at the age of nine and held until 2005.

    During sentencing submissions on October 14, the prosecution had called for life imprisonment, stressing the extreme suffering inflicted on innocent civilians. However, the court opted against this, indicating that life sentences are reserved for the most severe offenses and that Kwoyelo does not fall into this category.

    Justice Duncan Gaswaga explained that there was no evidence to suggest Kwoyelo posed an ongoing threat to society, which contributed to the decision not to impose life imprisonment.

    Victims' counsel Robert Mackay clarified that while victims sought a longer sentence, Kwoyelo was convicted under international law, which has a cap on sentencing. Mackay emphasized that the focus should now be on securing reparations for the victims to aid their recovery.

    The court has committed to conducting separate proceedings to address the victims' claims for reparations, instructing the victims' counsel to submit a formal application that will include the attorney general as a party.

    A total of 132 victims from Pabbo and Pagak Sub-counties participated in the trial after voluntarily applying. Kwoyelo is now the second LRA commander to be sentenced for the atrocities committed during the LRA insurgency, following Dominic Ongwen.

    LRA leader Joseph Kony remains at large, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to his actions in northern Uganda from 2002 to 2005.

    Leave a Comment below about this story


    In other News

    Shs1.1bn PDM Funds Disbursed in Arua Central Division
    Shs1.1bn PDM Funds Disbursed in Arua Central Division
    ...
    Leaders Criticize Government Budget Cuts to Teso Ministry
    Leaders Criticize Government Budget Cuts to Teso Ministry
    ...
    Electric vs Diesel Trains: The Future of Uganda
    Electric vs Diesel Trains: The Future of Uganda's Railway System
    ...
    Pallisa Market Vendors Struggle with Sanitation Crisis Amid Land Dispute
    Pallisa Market Vendors Struggle with Sanitation Crisis Amid Land Dispute
    ...
    COURT: No Coronation for Won-Nyaci me Lango
    COURT: No Coronation for Won-Nyaci me Lango
    ...
    Health Crisis in Napak District: Over Half the Population Lacks Access to Care
    Health Crisis in Napak District: Over Half the Population Lacks Access to Care
    ...
    Latest News
    Dancehall Heat Rave Ignites Garden City Rooftop with Electrifying Performances and Fierce Dance Battles
    Dancehall Heat Rave Ignites Garden City Rooftop with Electrifying Performances and Fierce Dance Battles
    10 hours ago
    Absa Bank, Rotary, and My Tree Initiative Launch Tree Planting Program in Schools
    Absa Bank, Rotary, and My Tree Initiative Launch Tree Planting Program in Schools
    4 days ago
    usercover Guest   4 days ago on Socialviba
    What have you seen 😅
    storycover
    click on this post to tell us what you think!
    Write a comment...

     

    Today's Hot Stories
    1
    Trends and Impact of Sports Betting in Uganda
    Trends and Impact of Sports Betting in Uganda
    Featured
    2
    Dancehall Heat Rave Ignites Garden City Rooftop with Electrifying Performances and Fierce Dance Battles
    Dancehall Heat Rave Ignites Garden City Rooftop with Electrifying Performances and Fierce Dance Battles
    Entertainment
    3
    Nigeria
    Nigeria's Olympic Dreams: A Look at the Country's Medal Contenders
    Featured
    4
    Kenyan Olympic Heroes: Honoring a History of Champions
    Kenyan Olympic Heroes: Honoring a History of Champions
    Featured
    5
    Data-Driven Bets: How Analytics are Changing the Sports Betting Landscape
    Data-Driven Bets: How Analytics are Changing the Sports Betting Landscape
    Featured
    6
    Betting on Sports in Africa: How to Choose a Good Bookmaker
    Betting on Sports in Africa: How to Choose a Good Bookmaker
    Featured
    7
    Leaders Criticize Government Budget Cuts to Teso Ministry
    Leaders Criticize Government Budget Cuts to Teso Ministry
    National
    8
    West Nile Leaders Advocate for Wendi Mobile Wallet to Boost Economic Empowerment
    West Nile Leaders Advocate for Wendi Mobile Wallet to Boost Economic Empowerment
    National
    9
    Douglas sends Pictorial message to the president
    Douglas sends Pictorial message to the president
    Entertainment
    10
    MoH Intensifies Self-Care Campaign Despite Concerns Over Self-Medication
    MoH Intensifies Self-Care Campaign Despite Concerns Over Self-Medication
    Lifestyle
    Listen to Music on Nowviba