Who is Thomas Kwoyelo, Ugandan LRA rebel commander on trial for war crimes?
Al JazeeraAug 26
Uganda: Ex-LRA Commander Gets 40-Year Sentence for War Crimes
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Above: Thomas Kwoyelo in Kampala, Uganda on March 14, 2017. Image copyright: Lubowa Abubaker/Contributor/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The Facts
A Ugandan court on Friday sentenced Thomas Kwoyelo, a former commander of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels, to 40 years in prison for crimes committed between 1996 and 2005.
In August, Kwoyelo was found guilty of 44 counts of crimes against humanity in the first such trial in the East African country. He denied all charges.
The Spin
Narrative A
Kwoyelo's conviction represents a significant step towards justice for the victims of the LRA's brutal insurgency. It demonstrates Uganda's commitment to holding war criminals accountable — even those who were once child soldiers themselves. This trial sets a precedent for future cases and sends a strong message that atrocities will not go unpunished.
Narrative B
Kwoyelo's trial raises complex ethical questions about accountability in cases involving former child soldiers. In addition, the long delay in bringing Kwoyelo to trial and the selective prosecution of LRA members while sparing some Ugandan military commanders accused of abuses highlight potential inconsistencies in the pursuit of justice.
