Kwoyelo bail hearing pushed to next year

Gulu. The hearing of a bail application filed by the defence team of the former Lord’s Resistance Army commander Thomas Kwoyelo has been adjourned to January 18, 2019.
The adjournment was made by Justice Jane Kiggundu of the International Crimes Division of the High Court, who presided over the hearing that lasted for less than 25 minutes.
The decision was prompted by a submission from the victims’ lawyer Komakech Henry Kilama that since court has ordered the State to avail victims for the trial, the victims should be thoroughly consulted before Kwoyelo is bailed.
Mr Kilama argued that the adjournment will give the victims time to seek their views and submissions.
However, Mr William Byansi, the prosecution lead counsel, contested the adjournment, saying it was a waste of time and resources.
“If they are not ready, this court should dismiss the application after all they are at liberty to apply for bail at any other time before this court. They should be warned and this should be the last time they are calling for adjournment for purposes of bail because a lot of resources are being sunk into this delay,” Mr Byansi said.
Why adjournment?
Justice Kiggundu said the adjournment will give the defence time to consult the victims while the prosecution team verifies the identities of sureties standing in for the accused and remanded the accused.
Kwoyelo is faced with various war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, attempted murder, kidnap with intend to murder, rape, hostages of abducted people among others.
He is accused of violating Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions under Customary International law and other serious offences under the Penal Code Act of Uganda that violate sections 188/189, 243 (1) (a), 285 (2), 204 (a) and 131 (1).
Present during the hearing were only two of the five sureties lined up to bail Kwoyelo (Gilbert Olanya MP and Mr Olanya Lubel) while MP Anthony Akol and MP Lucy Akello and one Omony were absent.