The people of Teso sub region have today shunned former LRA commander Dominic Ongwen’s Pre-trial court session.
Huge TV screens had been set at strategic points in Soroti town for the local residents to follow the proceedings that kicked off at the International Criminal Court this afternoon, but not many people turned up.
A cross section of those who followed the proceedings have welcomed the charges against him, while others said many atrocities committed in the sub region have not been included.
Several old women and men who traveled from as far as Kaberamaido which is about 45km from Soroti town expressed total disappointment.
However, Moses Omiat, the coordinator of Soroti Development Association and NGOs Network that partners with the Out Reach Unit of the International Criminal Court told the angry residents that this was only the first confirmation hearing.
He has advised them to keep following the proceedings up the end so that they get acquainted with what is taking place at The Hague.
Meanwhile International prosecutors at The Hague have accused former Ugandan rebel Dominic Ongwen of ordering his men to kill, cook and eat civilians.
He is the first member of the Lord’s Resistance Army to appear before the International Criminal Court.
Ongwen has been accused of 70 war crimes and crimes against humanity.
His defence is likely to use his past as a former child soldier and kidnap victim as part of a plea for leniency.
Story By Joseph Onyango
