Victims of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army voice their frustrations over the recent sentencing of leaders involved in the conflict, emphasizing a need for more comprehensive justice. Read more about their experiences and demands.
On Friday, victims of Uganda’s infamous Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) expressed their disappointment with the sentence given by judges to a former commander.
Thomas Kwoyelo received a 40-year prison sentence for war crimes, including murder, rape, enslavement, pillaging, torture, and kidnapping.
He will only need to spend 25 more years behind bars, as he has already been in custody for 15 years.
Victim Grace Apio expressed that the sentence appeared overly lenient considering the severe atrocities committed by the LRA rebels.
“We are deeply troubled by the destruction of our properties and the hardships faced, especially with children born during captivity. It’s a really difficult situation for us,” she expressed.
Apio remarked that the court’s decision may convey an incorrect message to those contemplating initiating conflict in Uganda.
“You can engage in these horrific acts, receive a light sentence, and then return to society to restart your life,” she stated.
Kwoyelo avoided a death sentence because he was kidnapped by the rebel group as a child and has shown remorse.
The LRA was established in the late 1980s with the goal of toppling the government and forming a state guided by Joseph Kony’s interpretation of the Ten Commandments.
For nearly two decades, it fought against the government from its bases located in the northern part of the country.
The insurgents were infamous for their heinous acts, such as mutilating victims by severing limbs and lips, and abducting children to be exploited as combatants and sex slaves.
Kwoyelo has refuted the allegations made against him.
He stated in court that only Kony could be held accountable for the LRA’s crimes, and mentioned that everyone within the rebel group risked death if they disobeyed the warlord.
His lawyer, Evans Ochieng, mentioned that he informed the court of their dissatisfaction with both the conviction and sentencing decision.
“He stated that following a consultation with the client, we have been instructed to file an appeal and will proceed accordingly.”
“We’d prefer not to state on camera that we believe the sentences are illegal, but we’ll be presenting our argument in the court of appeal.”
Human Rights Watch refers to the significant trial as “a rare opportunity for justice” for those affected by the two-decade conflict between Ugandan forces and the LRA.
In 2005, military pressure compelled the LRA to leave Uganda, causing the rebels to disperse throughout various regions of central Africa.
In recent years, the group has diminished in prominence, with reports of LRA attacks becoming infrequent. Kony is still at large and was indicted by the International Criminal Court back in 2005.
