Politics 3 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Former Guantanamo Detainee Convicted for Supporting ADF
A former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Jamal Kiyemba, has been found guilty of soliciting support for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) after shouting "Long live ADF" in Kampala's Old Taxi Park. The court dismissed charges of belonging to and rendering support to the terrorist group. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/guantanamo-bay-ex-detainee-convicted-of-supporting-adf-5544986
Jamal Kiyemba, who was previously held at Guantanamo Bay, has been convicted by the International Crimes Division of the High Court for soliciting support for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The conviction stems from an incident on January 29, 2022, when Kiyemba was reportedly heard shouting “Long live ADF” at the Old Taxi Park in Kampala. He allegedly urged the public to support the rebel group and warned of continued bloodshed if they did not.
Justice Susan Okalany stated that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Kiyemba encouraged public support for the ADF. Her judgment relied significantly on the testimony of a witness who reported the incident, leading to Kiyemba’s arrest.
The court, however, acquitted Kiyemba of two other charges: belonging to a terrorist organisation and rendering support to a terrorist organisation. The judge found insufficient evidence to prove his membership in the ADF and deemed the legal provision for rendering support inapplicable as it referred to natural persons, not organizations.
Kiyemba’s defense that he suffers from bipolar affective disorder and was unaware of his actions was rejected by the court. Evidence presented indicated that Kiyemba was mentally aware and made deliberate decisions, such as fleeing to avoid medical treatment.
During his trial, Kiyemba denied the charges. Court records indicate he converted to Islam in 1999, traveled to Afghanistan, and was later detained at Guantanamo Bay before being released. He now awaits sentencing.