Kampala | The legal defence team representing Joseph Kony, the fugitive leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has addressed the media ahead of his upcoming trial in absentia. The press conference was held on Wednesday morning at Hotel Africana, Kampala.
Speaking to journalists, the lawyers reaffirmed their client’s right to a fair hearing, despite his continued absence and long-standing status as one of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) most wanted men.
“Our legal responsibility is to ensure that even in absence, the rights of Mr. Kony are protected throughout this legal process,” said one of the lead defence attorneys. “The trial must uphold the standards of international justice.”
The press briefing comes as the ICC prepares to proceed with in-absentia hearings against Kony, who is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the LRA’s two-decade insurgency in northern Uganda and neighbouring countries.
Kony has been on the run since 2005 when the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him. He remains at large, and his exact whereabouts are unknown.
Legal experts say the upcoming trial, even in his absence, marks a significant step toward justice for the thousands of victims affected by the LRA’s atrocities, including mass abductions, killings, and sexual slavery.
The defence team acknowledged the emotional weight of the proceedings for survivors but stressed the need for judicial fairness.
“We recognise the pain of the victims, but international law demands due process for every accused person. That is the foundation of justice,” one lawyer stated.
The ICC’s decision to move forward without Kony present has generated both praise and controversy, with human rights groups calling it a crucial milestone, while some observers question the effectiveness of trying a suspect who is not in custody.
The date for the formal hearing is expected to be announced soon.
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