President Museveni has publicly rejected the Supreme court’s judgement against the civilian trial in military court martial as “a wrong decision” especially in trying civilians with firearms.
He voiced utter discontent towards CJ Owiny Dollo’ s verdict arguing that this kind of trial ‘reinforces the civilian judicial system’ to defend the lives of the people against criminals armed with guns.
His statements come after a long Supreme Court session to deliberate on the matter yesterday January 31, 2025 left many defense lawyers excited from the unanimous ruling in their favour.
The Court went up in cheers as chief justice Owiny Dollo turned away an appeal by the Attorney General declaring that the civilian trial in Court Martial unlawful thereby upholding the constitutional Court’s 2021 ruling.
The ruling rendered sections of the UPDF Act, which allowed military trials for civilians, unconstitutional and void.
Museveni, in statement dated January 1, 2025, promised to closely examine the arguments and deliberations by both the defense and state lawyers.
” Secondly, even the CJ ruled that the Court Martial could be used if adjustments are done here and there. I salute that contribution, ” Museveni said.
” Even the others who ruled against us, had some interesting comments that will be followed up that point towards the need for rationalization in the procedure of trying civilians in the military courts,” he added.
He explained that the country is not governed by the judges but rather in democracy which gives all its citizens the power mainy those eligible to vote.
” We govern ourselves by having referenda or constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by the Parliament,” Museveni stated.
According to him, the judges interprete the laws so the Attorney General should therefore propose the amendments to the constitution of the laws to “help judges in future from interfering with this useful self-protection instrument for the country and also remove any irrationalities if any.”
Museveni while concluding his submission pledged to continue protecting the country by ensuring that criminals, especially those involved in armed violence, are held accountable in military courts.
All the controversies on the civilian trial in military courts became popular after three time opposition leader Kizza Besigye faced the courts in a prolonged trial on charges of illegal possession of ammunition and firearms.
Besigye, together with co-accused Obeid Lutale were apprehended in Kenya, returned to Uganda and have since then made several appearances in the court under several lawyers.
Now it is uncertain whether after the CJ’ s ruling to halt the civilian trial in the courts will see Besigye a Freeman or another victim of delayed justice.
