Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has insisted that his government will continue prosecuting civilians in military courts, despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling declaring the practice unconstitutional.
On Friday, the court ruled that civilians should no longer be tried in military tribunals, ordering the transfer of all ongoing cases to civilian courts. The decision was seen as a win for critics of military trials, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s legal team, as Besigye faces charges in the general court martial.
Museveni rejected the court’s ruling, calling it a mistake. He argued that military tribunals play a critical role in maintaining stability, particularly in areas like Karamoja, which has been plagued by armed violence. “The country is not governed by the judges,” he stated. “We cannot and will not abandon this useful instrument for stability.”
Human rights groups and political opponents have long accused Museveni of using military courts to target opposition figures. Military court officials are appointed by the president, unlike civilian judges who operate independently.
