The suspects were brought to court under heavy security, including officers from Uganda Prisons and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT). In collaboration with the judiciary, strict media guidelines were issued, prohibiting the capture or publication of images, names, or video footage of judges, assessors, or advocates involved in the proceedings.
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The suspects in court
The suspected commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Jamilu Mukulu, has appeared before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala, marking his first physical court appearance in four years. Mukulu, alongside his co-accused, Muhammed Matovu and Omara Abdullah Mutuka, is challenging the process that led to their extradition from Tanzania nearly a decade ago.
The trio, who last appeared in court on January 25, 2021, are seeking to have their charges dismissed, citing violations of their rights during the extradition process, including allegations of torture. They are also contesting the charges of aggravated robbery, murder, and terrorism because these were not the offenses listed in the extradition papers at the time of their transfer to Uganda.
The suspects were brought to court under heavy security, including officers from Uganda Prisons and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT). In collaboration with the judiciary, strict media guidelines were issued, prohibiting the capture or publication of images, names, or video footage of judges, assessors, or advocates involved in the proceedings.
“In the interest of security and the integrity of the proceedings, media personnel are strictly advised against identifying or photographing judicial officers. Only the suspects may be recorded or named,” the statement from the court’s communications team read.
A panel of four judges — three men and one woman — is presiding over the matter.Dozens of Mukulu’s relatives gathered at the court to witness the proceedings. Some were visibly emotional, breaking into tears upon seeing him. The prosecution alleges that between 2011 and 2014, Mukulu and 36 co-accused persons acquired firearms, received military training in neighboring countries, and secured funding to pursue political, religious, and social motives through violence.
Among the charges Mukulu faces is the murder of prominent Muslim clerics Sheikh Yunus Abubaker Mandanga and Sheikh Dakitoor Muwaya, a top Shia religious leader. The group is also accused of attacking Bugiri Police Station and killing officers Karim Tenywa and Muzamir Babale.
The accused were arrested from various locations in Uganda and Tanzania between 2014 and 2015. Their charges date as far back as the 1998 ADF attack on Kichwamba Technical Institute, in which more than 80 students were killed. Although they were committed to trial in September 2019 by Justice Eva Luswata following a pretrial conference, no substantive hearing has been held until now.
