In a significant development, Kyoto Abdul Rashid, also known as Njovu or Tembo, the commander of a camp in Mwalika, DRC, and formerly a resident of Suni village, Lyama sub county in Budaka district, has been charged and remanded by the Chief Magistrates Court in Nakawa. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the murder of two foreign tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park last month.
Kyoto Abdul Rashid appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate, Erias Kakooza, on Monday afternoon, facing nine counts that include terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, and belonging to a terrorist organization. The prosecution alleges that on October 17, 2023, at Nyamunuka, along the Katunguru-Katwe-Kabatoro road within Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese district, Kyoto and others still at large carried out acts of violence with the intent to influence the government, intimidate the public, or achieve political, religious, social, or economic aims. These acts resulted in the tragic deaths of Barlow David James, Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, and Eric Alyai, who were civilians not engaged in armed conflict.
The charges include murder, as per sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act, and aggravated robbery, as per sections 285 and 286(2) of the same Act. Kyoto Abdul Rashid was not allowed to enter a plea, considering the capital nature of the charges, which are only triable by the High Court. Consequently, he was remanded to Luzira government prison until November 27.
The court proceedings shed light on the alleged role of the ADF commander in a heinous crime that targeted foreign tourists within the national park. The charges reflect the severity of the offenses, and the legal process will now move forward to determine the commander's culpability in the tragic incident. The case underscores the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the region and uphold justice for victims of terrorism and violence in Uganda.
