Thomas Kwoyelo being escorted by the prison guards

The Supreme Court ruled that the trial of ex-commander of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) Thomas Kwoyelo should continue. A panel of seven Justices led by the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart Katureebe on April 8, 2015 unanimously agreed with the Attorney General (AG), that Kwoyelo should face trial. Other Justices were Hon. Justice Benjamin Odoki, Hon. Justice John Wilson Tsekooko, Hon. Justice Jotham Tumwesigye, Hon. Justice Lady Esther Kisaakye-Kitimbo, Hon. Justice Galdino Okello and Hon. Justice Lady Christine Kitumba.

The ruling implies that the trial which was halted in September, 2011 at the International Crimes Division of the High Court will resume. The ruling in effect, overturns the September 22, 2011 ruling of the Constitutional Court, which stopped Kwoyelo‘s trial and pronounced that he be granted amnesty. However, the Justices emphasized the pivotal aspect of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The ruling was delivered in the presence of Mr. Kwoyelo and his lawyers Mr. Caleb Alaka and Mr. Owor Onyango. The Attorney General was represented by Principal State Attorney Patricia Mutesi.

Mr. Kwoyelo is battling 53 charges of murder, willful killing, and kidnap with intent to kill, aggravated robbery, and destruction of property.