The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has firmly rejected public criticism directed at the court martial, labeling them as instruments to tarnish the image of military courts and enable offenders to evade justice.
The Director of Defence Public Relations, Uganda People’s Defence Forces Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, strongly rejected these claims, calling them ‘systematic and scornful attacks.’
In a statement released by Brig Gen Kulayigye on Monday, December 16, 2024, he cited a recent article in the Daily Monitor titled ‘Glaring Difference between Army and Civilian Courts,’ which fueled this discourse, noting that it is a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of these judicial bodies.
On November 20, 2024, Kiiza Besigye and his bodyguard, Hajji Obeid Lutale, were arrested and arraigned, which fueled the dispute.
The duo was charged with illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
Read Also: Museveni’s Court Martial Stand Contradicts Supreme Court Ruling- Lukwago
Since then, Kulayigye said the prominent leaders and observers have continually referred to military courts as ‘kangaroo courts’ and questioned their legality to prosecute civilians.
“One prominent critic, Eron Kiiza, stated, they are committing crimes in Makindye, not conducting a trial. The military tribunal is illegitimate,” Brig Gen Kulayigye said.
According to Brig Gen Kulayigye, the Supreme Court of Uganda has established that military courts are part of the judicial system and subordinate to the High Court.
Read Also:President Museveni Silences Critics on Civilian Trial in Court Martial, Affirms Support
Brig Gen Kulayigye added that, contrary to claims that military courts do not follow an adversarial system, UPDF asserts that these courts operate with a structured judicial process.
“They include trained legal personnel such as judge advocates, prosecutors, defense counsel, and court registrars, all of whom are advocates of the High Court of Uganda,” Brig Gen Kulayigye stated.
As the UPDF awaits a Supreme Court decision in the case of ‘Attorney General vs. Kabaziguruka,’ it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its judicial processes.
The UPDF calls for an end to the dissemination of falsehoods regarding military courts. Brig Gen Kulayigye urged all parties to adhere to legal principles and accurately interpret the law, rather than propagate misleading narratives.
