Tension filled the courtroom as former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamil Mukulu made his first public appearance since 2019, seeking to stop his terrorism trial. Mukulu argued that the proceedings breached his extradition terms and seriously violated his rights.
Appearing alongside co-accused Muhammad Matovu and Omar Abdallah Mutuka, Mukulu was presented before the International Crimes Division of the High Court, temporarily sitting at the Civil Division in Kampala. The three were transported under tight security by prison services and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT).
As Mukulu exited the prison vehicle and entered the holding cells, he proclaimed, “As-salamu alaykum. Ultimately, it is Allah who decides. These people here are jokers—not to be taken seriously.”
Represented by lawyer Medard Lubega Ssegona, Mukulu is challenging the trial on grounds that Uganda violated the extradition deal with Tanzania. According to Ssegona, the agreement allowed Uganda to try Mukulu on only nine murder charges. However, Ugandan authorities later added charges such as terrorism, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and membership in a terrorist organization—charges not authorized by Tanzanian courts.
Ssegona argued that such additions violated fair trial rights and extradition protocols, and urged the court to dismiss the expanded indictment. He also questioned the court’s jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in other countries like Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mukulu also accused the state of torture, claiming he was detained in harsh conditions for a year at Nalufenya police station. While he lacked formal medical records, he offered to show the court scars he says were inflicted during that time.
In response, the panel of four judges—Justices Michael Elubu, Susan Okalany, Stephen Mubiru, and Andrew Bashaija—ordered a physical examination of Mukulu’s body to help assess the torture allegations.
During a passionate statement to the court, Mukulu described his prison conditions, alleging he is confined for 15 hours a day in a cramped, mosquito-infested cell with no ventilation and forced to relieve himself in a bucket. He said he only eats once daily, has lost 25 kilograms, and is denied proper food and interaction with other inmates.
He also accused prison authorities of interfering with his legal representation and correspondence, claiming his documents are altered and his previous lawyers were pushed out. “They chased away Ssemakadde and Ochieng. I ask the court to stop the prisons from harassing me and my lawyers,” he said.
However, Johnson Natuhwera, representing the Attorney General, dismissed the complaints as delay tactics. He noted that similar claims had already been reviewed and rejected by Justice Eva Luswata in 2019, and asserted that Tanzania had approved the expanded charges.
The court will deliver its ruling on whether to proceed with the trial or halt it on June 23.
