The Pre trial of Thomas Kwoyelo was yesterday adjourned to Tuesday 16th August after defense lawyers were a no show at court.
The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court of Uganda commenced the pre-trial of at the Gulu High Court.
Appearing before high court Judge Suzan Okalanyi, Kwoyelo a former combatant in the Lord's Resistance Army said he wanted his case heard and justice served.
He is facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Suzan Alupo a Transition Justice lawyer with the Refugee Law Project says the case was adjourned because defense lawyers Caleb Alaka and Nicholas Opio were not in court.
The Prosecution was led by counsel Charles Kamuli assisted by Willam Byansi and Florence Akello. Kwoyelo’s trial was halted in 2011 following a Constitutional Court ruling that he was entitled to amnesty under Uganda's Amnesty Act 2000.
But Attorney General appealed this decision and in April, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that Kwoyelo's trial is constitutional and does not violate the provisions of the Amnesty Act.
He was arrested by the UPDF in 2008. Refugee Law Project has set up an overflow facility to enable the victims and general public to attend and observe the court sessions.
RLP will also facilitate victims' representatives from the ICD investigation sites to attend and participate in the pre-trial, as well as documenting the court proceedings.
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