President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared his support for the trial of civilians in the court martial, recognizing its role in addressing gun-related crimes.
In the statement released by the president on his X handle on December 12, 2024, Museveni referred to the court martial as an eyokyeero (a native Ruyankole word meaning reinforcement) that complements civilian courts in handling cases involving firearms.
“Some civilians being tried in the court martial is a correct move, useful, and it has contributed to the stabilization of Uganda,” Museveni stated.
He explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) enacted the law in 2005 due to the rampant activities of criminals and terrorists using guns to indiscriminately kill people.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the appropriateness of trying civilians in military courts, especially the recent case of former opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
According to President Museveni, the court martial has brought peace to the country by taking quick action against criminals, especially in the Karamoja region.
Museveni noted that civilian courts are often overwhelmed by a backlog of cases ranging from murder to land disputes, leaving them ill-equipped to swiftly deal with gun-wielding criminals.
“These individuals, although not soldiers, voluntarily and with evil intentions acquired killing instruments that should be the monopoly of the Armed Forces,” Museveni said.
The President argued that the court-martial system ensures efficiency while protecting public safety, as dangerous individuals are removed from society and provided with basic needs in detention.
He emphasized that the court martial operates under the umbrella of Uganda’s broader judicial system, allowing superior courts to rectify any errors in judgment.
The president then directed the CDF, together with his army colleagues, to audit the imprisoned criminals and establish those to be pardoned or further tried.
Museveni maintains that the court martial remains an effective instrument for upholding firmness and ensuring speedy justice.
