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Pader Urban Chairperson Arrested Ahead of Appeal Hearing

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Kilama, who is also the Democratic Party (DP) Chairperson for Pader District, was reportedly apprehended by armed operatives in civilian clothing at the court's entrance. Cliph Atare, DP spokesperson for Pader District, stated, “He was assaulted before Kilama was whisked away to an unknown destination.”
16 Jan 2025 16:05
Fearless Kilama (R) DP President Norbert Mao (C) and Cliph Atare (L) - Courtesy Photo
Fearless Kilama Wod-Acholi, the Pader Town Council Urban Chairperson, was re-arrested under controversial circumstances at Kitgum High Court ahead of his scheduled appeal hearing on Thursday, January 16, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m.

Kilama, who is also the Democratic Party (DP) Chairperson for Pader District, was reportedly apprehended by armed operatives in civilian clothing at the court's entrance. Cliph Atare, DP spokesperson for Pader District, stated, “He was assaulted before Kilama was whisked away to an unknown destination.”

The arrest was later confirmed by Pader District Police Commander (DPC) Jackson Bogere and Aswa East Regional Police Acting Spokesperson, Joe Oloya. They stated that Kilama, a convict, had been re-arrested in compliance with procedural requirements and was briefly held at Pader CPS before being returned to the court premises.

Kilama’s appeal relates to his 2021 conviction alongside 32 others for unlawful assembly, malicious damage, and inciting violence during the December 2021 Pader protests. The appeal, filed in April 2023, has faced multiple delays. On Thursday, Justice Mwaka Phillips postponed the hearing to January 30, 2025, due to the absence of both the complainants and appellants.

The Resident State Attorney, Hamza Muzige, earlier pushed for dismissal of the appeal, citing the appellants’ repeated absences, while defense counsel Geoffrey Anyuru has countered, emphasizing Kilama’s right to justice. The introduction of four new complainant representatives—Pader Vice Chairperson Ocen Justine, Councilor Bosco Okello, Robert Opira, and Town GISO Anywar David—has further complicated the proceedings.

The Democratic Party has condemned the arrest and the ongoing delays. "This is a violation of justice," said Cliph Atare. "The addition of new complainants and the manner of Kilama’s arrest are politically motivated and lack transparency." Kilama was still in the court cell, awaiting transport to Pader Government Prison by the time of filing this story. His legal team is working to secure a production warrant for his transfer to Kitgum Prison, where they plan to reapply for bail.

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