The International Crimes Division of Uganda’s High Court has confirmed that Kyoto Abdul Rashid, also known as Njovu or Tembo, a suspected commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), will face trial for multiple terrorism and murder charges.
The charges stem from a series of violent attacks targeting civilians, including international tourists, across Uganda.
In a significant ruling by Justice Susan Okalany, the court determined there is substantial evidence to move forward with a trial against Kyoto for terrorism and related offenses.
The charges involve several deadly attacks between 2018 and 2023, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kasese District.
Kyoto is facing 13 charges, which include terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, and belonging to a terrorist organization under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code. Prosecutors claim he was responsible for orchestrating and commanding numerous ADF attacks aimed at destabilizing Uganda and instilling fear in its citizens.
A major part of the case revolves around the October 17, 2023, ambush in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where British-South African tourists Barlow David James and Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, along with their Ugandan guide Eric Alyai, were murdered.
Their vehicle was also torched. This brutal attack sparked international outrage and led to urgent security measures.
Kyoto’s alleged involvement in the attack was confirmed through survivor testimonies, police reports, forensic evidence, and even his own confession.
The charges against him include, terrorism: For the Queen Elizabeth National Park ambush and the destruction of the tourists’ vehicle.
Murder: For the deaths of the three individuals in the October attack.
Aggravated Robbery: As Kyoto was found in possession of stolen property, including identification cards and credit cards of the victims.
Belonging to a Terrorist Organization: Based on evidence linking him to the ADF.
Additional charges related to other attacks, such as the Kikorongo-Bwera Road truck ambush and the Lhubiriha Secondary School massacre, were not confirmed due to insufficient direct evidence connecting Kyoto to those scenes.
Kyoto, recruited into the ADF in 2017, was captured by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marines on November 1, 2023, after a shootout on Lake Edward.
He was found with stolen property from the murdered tourists and later admitted to his involvement in the attacks during interrogations.
The court found that while some charges could not be confirmed due to gaps in evidence or procedural issues, there were enough grounds to proceed with a full trial.
The case is significant as it represents one of Uganda’s most high-profile terrorism trials in recent years, especially as joint operations continue between Ugandan and Congolese forces against ADF militants in eastern DRC under Operation Shujaa.
If convicted, Kyoto could face life imprisonment or the death penalty for his involvement in these crimes.
