Ugandan Court Sentences Former LRA Commander to 40 Years in Prison
Kampala, Uganda — A Ugandan court has sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison on Friday.
The Verdict
In August, the Ugandan International Crimes Division found Kwoyelo guilty on 44 charges, including murder, pillaging, inhumane acts, and gender-based violence such as rape. Lawyers for Kwoyelo, 50, said he is going to appeal the sentence.
Reactions from Survivors and Analysts
Francis Okello Oloya, a psychologist and head of a comfort dog project in Gulu for LRA war survivors, was blinded by a bomb blast at the age of 12 during Uganda’s war against the rebels. He welcomes the court process but is not satisfied with the sentence. "The perpetrator needed to ask for forgiveness and reconciliation with his heart," he said. "He will be serving his jail terms, but what benefits will the victims get?"
Susan Aceng Oroma, project officer for the Foundation for Justice and Development Initiative, a nongovernmental organization that works to promote justice and economic recovery in northern Uganda, said she is happy to hear the judges focus on gender-based violence. "Looking at the magnitude of the offenses he committed, he deserved the sentencing," she said.
However, Angelo Izama, a Ugandan international crimes analyst, argues that Kwoyelo should not have been put on trial. He believes the best method would have been to put him under the local Matoput process, which would have led to reconciliation and forgiveness, which cannot be achieved by law or force of arms.
The Sentence
In reading out the sentence, Justice Duncan Gaswaga emphasized that there is no chance Kwoyelo will be released early on parole. "This sentence also excludes a possibility of rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reform of the convict, and concentrates on punishment, retribution, and deterrence," he said. The judges also highlighted Kwoyelo’s guilt on the rape charges.
The LRA and Its Leader, Joseph Kony
Meanwhile, LRA leader Joseph Kony remains wanted by the International Criminal Court on dozens of war crimes charges but has not been confirmed alive for years.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Thomas Kwoyelo brings to a close a chapter in the long and troubled history of the LRA. While some see this as a victory for justice, others question the effectiveness of the legal process in bringing about reconciliation and healing.
FAQs
- What was Thomas Kwoyelo’s sentence?
- 40 years in prison
- What charges was Kwoyelo found guilty of?
- 44 charges, including murder, pillaging, inhumane acts, and gender-based violence
- Will Kwoyelo be eligible for early release?
- No, according to the sentence
- Who is LRA leader Joseph Kony?
- The leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, wanted by the International Criminal Court on dozens of war crimes charges
