Former Lord’s Resistance Army rebel commander, Thomas Kwoyelo has been remanded to Luzira prison, a day after the High court issued a directive for his release.

Yesterday, a panel of three Constitutional Court justices led by Constance Byamugisha dismissed an application filed by government seeking to block Kwoyelo’s official release Friday.

Thomas Kwoyelo in court

The government had filed a constitutional application seeking to stay the court’s earlier decision that it had ordered the International Crimes Division of the high court to sit and officially release Kwoyelo. Government cited grounds that Kwoyelo is entitled to amnesty just like other ex-rebels who had renounced rebel activities.

Kwoyelo was expected to be released today but the panel of Judges at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Gulu, led by Justice Owiny Dolo has argued that Kwoyelo must acquire a certificate from the Amnesty Commission like the other former rebels before he can be released.

One of the lawyers representing Kwoyelo, Samuel Muyizi says Kwoyelo who was transported to Gulu yesterday, will be brought back to Luzira prison later today.

He adds that their next move is to pursue the issuance of the certificate and wait for the court’s decision.

Kwoyelo was battling over 53 charges of murder, willful killing and kidnap with intent to kill, aggravated robbery, and destruction of property during the two decade war in Northern Uganda led by Joseph Kony.