In a landmark development, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has confirmed that the government will comply with the Supreme Court ruling regarding the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye in the General Court Martial.
Addressing Parliament, Kiwanuka stated, “Government has decided to comply with the court order, and we are going to comply with the court order as given by the Supreme Court.”
This announcement follows mounting pressure from Members of Parliament (MPs) and legal experts who have consistently argued that the continued trial of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional.
During a heated plenary session, several MPs expressed strong opinions on the matter. Hon. Jonathan Odur (Erute South) emphasized that the ruling should be immediately implemented, stating that
“it is only logical for the Court Martial to sit and release all the persons who are illegally before them.”Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East) argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling is self-executing and does not require further interpretation from the Attorney General.
“The ruling of the Supreme Court is self-executing and doesn’t require the advice of the Attorney General,” he asserted.
Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, took a firm stance, insisting that “the Court Martial should, with immediate effect, release all the civilians in its custody and allow the civil courts to try them if the DPP determines so.”
Hon. Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) echoed these sentiments, calling for the unconditional adherence to the Constitution. “This country is governed by the Constitution; anybody who doesn’t want to obey this Constitution should give us our peace by leaving,” he remarked.
The Supreme Court of Uganda ruled that civilians cannot be tried in military courts, reinforcing the principle that military tribunals should be reserved for military personnel.
This ruling came after legal battles highlighting the unconstitutionality of prosecuting civilians in the General Court Martial, including cases involving opposition figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime opposition leader, has been arrested multiple times and faced trial in military courts on several occasions. His latest legal battle has reignited concerns over the use of the military judiciary to suppress political dissent.
With the Attorney General confirming compliance, legal experts and rights activists will be watching closely to ensure the immediate release of all civilians unlawfully detained by the Court Martial.
The decision could set a precedent for future cases and reinforce the role of civil courts in upholding justice.
As Uganda navigates this legal turning point, many hope that this will mark an end to the controversial prosecution of civilians in military courts, ensuring a fairer judicial process aligned with constitutional principles.
For more updates on this and other stories, stay tuned to Daily West Nile News.
Source: POU
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