Today we posted four new internship openings for a Gender Justice Intern, Documentation Intern, Multimedia Intern and a Documentary Filmmaker (Volunteer). To learn more and find out how to apply, check out http://justiceandreconciliation.com/about/jobs-internships/.
Act fast because they are vacant until filled!
Today JRP released a situational analysis titled, “Moving Forward: Thomas Kwoyelo and the Quest for Justice.” While his release is expected soon, questions remain hanging on what should happen to him. Our analysis revealed that the situation on the ground, and more specifically in his home area of Pabo, is highly volatile and unpredictable, and opinions regarding his reintegration into the community are widely varied. Furthermore, many of Pabo’s residents – including his family members – feel unprepared, uninformed and confused about how to proceed. This situational analysis presents these perceptions concerning the Constitutional Court ruling and makes recommendations for Kwoyelo’s rehabilitation and reintegration in the event that he is released.
To read the full brief, click here.
This morning JRP’s Documentation and Communications teams attended a session of the International Crimes Division (ICD) in Gulu pertaining to the trial of ex-LRA commander Col. Thomas Kwoyelo.
As a brief backgrounder, the trial opened on July 11th in Gulu (see a JRP overview of this here), and on August 5th was referred to the Constitutional Court in Kampala for a decision pertaining to issues raised by Kwoyelo’s lawyers of alleged unequal treatment and denial of amnesty, among others. On Sept. 22nd, the Court ruled that Kwoyelo was eligible for amnesty and to deny him would be unconstitutional. The matter was referred back to the ICD for presumed termination of the trial and Kwoyelo’s release. After an appeal was made by a State team to stay the execution of this order (i.e. to delay releasing him) citing a threat to national security and alleged communication with LRA financiers, on Nov. 10th, the Court of Appeal declined that request and upheld the Constitutional Court ruling. Kwoyelo’s release was slated for Nov. 11th in Gulu.
That brings us to today. It was widely rumored that Kwoyelo would be released, and many of his family members traveled long distances to receive him. However, a panel of three ICD judges confused many in attendance when they stated their compliance with the Constitutional Court ruling and ceased the trial, yet referred matters of his release to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Amnesty Commission. It appears as though his release will not be carried out until his amnesty is processed, and he was taken back to presumably Gulu prison by armed prison wardens shortly after the reading.
For photos from the day’s session, click here.
For a raw audio recording of Justice Akii-Kiiza, click here.
For a video with JRP’s Lino Owor Ogora commenting on the decision to local media, click here or watch below.
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JRP will continue to monitor events pertaining to this case as they unfold. Stay tuned for the latest updates. A video interview with Kwoyelo’s mother after the ruling and other clips from the day will be uploaded in the coming days.
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On November, 11, 2011, the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court of Uganda convened at the High Court in Gulu to follow recommendations set forth by the Constitutional Court pertaining to the trial of ex-LRA commander Col. Thomas Kwoyelo. These photos capture what transpired. For more information, visit www.justiceandreconciliation.com.
Copyright © 2011 Justice and Reconciliation Project
“Cessation of the Kwoyelo Case,” ICD Court Ruling, 11 Nov. 11
Listen here.
On November 11, 2011, the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court of Uganda convened in Gulu in the case of ex-LRA commander Col. Thomas Kwoyelo. In this audio, the lawyers are introduced and the panel of judges states its compliance of the Sept. 22nd Constitutional Court ruling to cease the trial in light of Kwoyelo’s eligibility for amnesty. The ICD did not, however, order for Kwoyelo’s release, and instead referred that matter to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Amnesty Commission.