The long awaited trial of jailed former leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, Jamil Mukulu and 37 others on charges of terrorism, murder, aggrevated robbery and belonging to a terrorism organisation – ADF has been scheduled for tomorrow 4th December before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala.
Three Justices Micheal Elubu, Susan Okalany and Lydia Mugambe are to preside over the hearing starting at 9am.
According to the Deputy Registrar Beatrice Stella Atingu, the team that is preparing the hearing of this case including the trial panel met in September this year and resolved that as soon as Government releases operational funds for this quarter, the Court would be in position to sit.
Atingu also reveals that they have abandoned the earlier proposal of Luzira Prison being the most suitable place to conduct this trial given the sensitivity of this case that involves 38 accused persons who need interpreters, the need for victims and witness protection, security for prosecution and the defence lawyers and ample space that is secure enough and inline with the COVID-19 Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
She confirms that Luzira Prison Authorities agreed to bring the suspects to the High Court in Kampala for the trial.
This development follows an order of 6th August, 2020 from one of the Judges on the trial panel Susan Okalany to direct the ICD Court’s Registrar to fix Mukulu’s case for trial after he (Mukulu) rejected Justice Okalany to hear his bail application on grounds of bias which meant that he was to remain on remand at Luzira Prison for his trial.
56 year old Mukulu who has been in prison for five years now, was committed and 19 charges were confirmed for his trial. However he is still presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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