Nine freed after being cleared of ADF connections

Nine people accused of belonging and funding Jamilu Mukulu's Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorism organization have had their charges dropped.

The eight were delighted to go home however Mukulu’s co-accused has been taken back to jail over other charges.

After over five years in incarceration, eight of the nine who had charges against them dismissed were sent home.

These had appeared before High Court Judge Jane Persis Kigongo for pre-trial and instead were faced with a Nolle Prosequi (the dismissal or termination of legal proceedings).

The DPP wrote to the court expressing a loss of interest in the matter asking that the two charges of belonging to the ADF and funding the same be dropped.

The state had alleged that that the nine and others in different places in Uganda, Kenya and DRC belonged and provided financial assistance to members of ADF a terrorist knowing that there was possibility the money would be used for terrorism activities.

The nine include Kisembo Abdallah Mukwata, Adam Din Luwooza, Hamis Mugoya, Hamuza Lyavaala, Aramathan Musene, Hussein Ndugwa, Fiswal Wata, Hamza Egiyoti and Hamis Takubyaku.

The group was said to have mobilized in the Mubende gold mines before crossing to DRC disguised as gold miners.

While rest were going home, one of the accused persons Adam Din Luwooza was sent back to Luzira because he is facing terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery alongside Jamil Mukulu.

The court also declined to grant prayers by the group's lawyers led by Kamara Kafuzi to have the group compensated for the long stay on remand.