4 Sentenced to Seven Years in Jail for ADF Affiliation and Funding by International Criminal Division

In a significant ruling by the International Criminal Division of the High Court, four individuals have received a seven-year prison sentence after admitting guilt to being members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and funding the group.

The convicted individuals, Dhikusooka Faiswali alias Hibwagi Sinani Faruuku alias Sooka, Muhindo Sarutiyona, Kamanya Musa, and Agaba Farook, were apprehended following the murder of ASP Muhammad Kirumira.

During the trial led by Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko and Chief State Attorney Lilian Omara, the prosecution presented evidence that the group and accomplices, still at large, were involved with ADF activities between May 2018 and July 2019 in various districts, including Mbale, Elgon, Mayuge, Bukedi, Busoga, Kampala, Central Uganda, and Kasese. They were linked to ADF, a recognized terrorist organization, and were found guilty of supporting the group by recruiting and transporting recruits to ADF camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo, knowing the aid facilitated terrorism.

The court was informed that Dhikusooka Faiswali specifically provided financial support to ADF with the intention or knowledge that the funds would be utilized by the terrorist organization.

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However, the defendants pleaded guilty, resulting in Justice Suzan Okalany sentencing them for affiliation with a terrorist organization, terrorism financing, aggravated trafficking in persons, and trafficking in children as part of a plea bargain agreement with the state.

Consequently, Dhikusooka, Muhindo, Kamanya, and Agaba were each given a seven-year prison term. Meanwhile, the trial will proceed for Muzamiru Mukwaya, who chose not to enter a guilty plea.