Communication 431/12 – Thomas Kwoyelo v. Uganda
136.
The Complainant alleges that in March 2009, the Victim, a former child soldier
and commander in the LRA, surrendered, was shot and severely wounded on the
battlefield in the DRC. And shortly thereafter, and before recovering from his
injuries, he was abducted from the hospital by Ugandan military intelligence, and
taken to a private residence of an officer of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence
also known as ‘safe house’.
137.
Although the fact of the Victim being a child when joining the LRA is contested
by the Respondent State, the Commission will not look into the dispute since it is
not relevant for any of the issues raised in the case under consideration.
138.
The Respondent State also denies the assertion by the Complainant that the
Victim surrendered and that he was shot afterwards. Instead, the Respondent
states that the Victim was shot and captured during combat in the Garamba Forest
in DRC.
139.
The background information in the ruling of the Constitutional Court of
Uganda dated 22 September 2011 also indicates that the Victim was captured, and
hence did not surrender. The affidavit by the Assistant Inspector of Police who was
investigating the case of the Victim also corroborates the assertions of the State that
the Victim was captured after being shot and wounded during a gun battle
between the UPDF and the LRA. The Complainant did not challenge such
assertion, nor has he adduced any record or proof showing that the Victim in fact
surrendered and was shot afterwards.
140.
The Complainant’s claim of abduction from hospital, after the Victim was
captured, by Ugandan military intelligence is also refuted by the Respondent State.
The Respondent avers that after his capture, the Victim was transferred to Uganda
and taken to the general military hospital, Bombo Hospital, in Kampala, for
medical treatment. After recovery, he was taken to the 1st Infantry Division
Headquarters in Kakiri, Wakiso District, for full recuperation as a prisoner of war
35
62nd Ordinary Session, 25 April – 9 July 2018