Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has announced that his government will continue to prosecute civilians in military tribunals, despite a recent ruling from the country’s Supreme Court deeming such practices unconstitutional.
The ruling, handed down on Friday, declared that civilians should not be prosecuted in military courts and ordered that all ongoing cases be transferred to civilian courts.
The decision was met with praise from opposition figures, including Kizza Besigye’s lawyer, who saw the ruling as a sign of relief for Besigye, who is currently facing charges in the General Court Martial.
Besigye, a long-time opponent of Museveni, has been detained and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. His lawyers, however, have since stated that the ruling might change the course of his trial.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Museveni firmly rejected the decision, describing it as wrong.
In a statement to the media on Saturday, he argued that military tribunals play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, particularly in the northeastern region of Karamoja, which has long struggled with armed violence.
“The country is not governed by the judges,” Museveni remarked, defending the use of military courts as a means to uphold stability in the country.
He emphasized that these courts have been vital in pacifying the region and insisted they would not be abandoned.
Human rights organizations and opposition politicians have long accused Museveni’s government of using military courts to silence political opposition.
Military court officials are appointed by the president, raising concerns about impartiality, whereas civilian judges are independent. High-profile opposition figures, including pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, have previously been prosecuted in military courts, with Wine facing charges of weapons offences.
The controversy surrounding military tribunals continues to fuel tension in Uganda as Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, faces pressure ahead of the upcoming elections. Despite the ruling, the president remains determined to uphold his stance on military justice.
