KAMAPALA
The magistrate court in Nakawa has sent to Luzira prison on remand Abdul Rashid Kyoto alias Njovu, the alleged commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel unit in Mwalika in eastern DR Congo until November 17 after he was charged with nine counts for alleged murder of British tourists and their guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese district.
Court presided over by the Nakawa chief magistrate, Elias Kakooza heard that the suspect together with others still at large with intentions influence the government or intomidate the public on October 17, shot and killed Barlow David James and Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, British newlyweds who were on their honeymoon in Uganda and their tour guide, Eric Alyai in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese district.
The suspects also set on fire the tourists’ safari vehicle and went away with unspecified amount of money and other valuables.
The incident according to police occured at Nyamunuka along Katunguru-Katwe Kabatoro Road Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyoto was arrested during a UPDF Marine Forces operations on Lake Edward at Katwe-Kabatoro Island along with two other ADF suspects who were put out of action as they attempted to flee arrest on November 6.
On Monday (November 13), Kyoto was arraigned before court and charged with nine counts of terrorism, murder, and aggravated robbery in connection the said killing of tourists.
He was also charged with professing to be a commander in a terrorist organization, ADF, from 2018 to November 1, 2023, in various parts of the country.
Court did not allow him to say anything as this is a capital offense which he cannot cannot plead to because such offenses are tried by the High Court.
Prosecution side led by Lillian Omara and Thomas Jatiko said inquiries into the matter are still ongoing.
