Ex-rebel gets 40-year jail term in landmark Ugandan case

Ugandan ex-rebel commander Thomas Kwoyelo has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for war crimes, marking the first conviction of a Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader in Uganda.

Kwoyelo was found guilty of 44 charges, including murder, rape, and kidnapping, but denied all accusations.

Abducted as a child by the LRA, Kwoyelo received a reduced sentence based on his remorse and deemed non-threat status.

The notorious LRA, led by Joseph Kony, inflicted atrocities across Uganda and neighboring regions.

Kwoyelo's lawyers plan to appeal, and a separate court hearing will address reparations for his victims.