President Museveni Rejects Supreme Court Ruling on Military Trials for Civilians
President Yoweri Museveni has strongly opposed a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the trial of civilians by military courts, declaring that the decision will not be implemented.
He defended the military court system as crucial to Uganda’s security and stability, arguing that it plays a vital role in addressing armed criminal activities.In a statement issued following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision on Friday, Museveni expressed deep disappointment, insisting that civilians accused of specific crimes, such as illegal possession of firearms, should continue facing trial in military courts.
“I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court regarding the trial of civilians in military courts,” Museveni remarked.
“This is an instrument we cannot and will not abandon. It has proven effective in dealing with armed criminals and ensuring the safety of our people.”
The President, who waged a guerrilla war in 1981 to restore democracy and has long criticized past regimes for violating justice, described the ruling as a setback to Uganda’s efforts in crime prevention and national security protection.
Museveni underscored that military courts were not solely established for the army but serve to protect society from armed criminals who pose significant threats to public safety. He questioned why civilians who unlawfully arm themselves with firearms should be exempt from military trials.
“Why should civilians who illegally arm themselves with firearms not face military trials?” he asked,
emphasizing that such cases require specialized judicial intervention beyond civilian courts.
Additionally, Museveni highlighted that military courts play an essential role in maintaining discipline within the armed forces and ensuring that security threats are swiftly addressed.
He pointed to regions such as Karamoja, where he credited military courts with helping to restore stability and reintegrate former warriors who might have otherwise perished in violent clashes with the army.
Despite acknowledging that some Supreme Court judges had backed the continued trial of civilians in military courts, Museveni made it clear that he would not adhere to the ruling. Instead, he called for constitutional amendments to reaffirm the authority of military courts in handling crimes related to national security.
“The country is not governed by the judges,” Museveni stated. “It is governed by the people. We will use referenda or parliamentary amendments to make sure our legal framework serves the needs of our society.”
Museveni’s rejection of the Supreme Court ruling is consistent with his previous dismissive stance on judicial authority.
In the past, he has controversially referred to the Constitution as a
"mere piece of paper" and criticized the Judiciary, asserting that “the country does not belong to judges and lawyers.”
In conclusion, the President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that military courts remain an integral part of Uganda’s judicial system, particularly in cases involving armed criminals.
He vowed to take all necessary measures to protect Uganda’s security and stability, despite opposition from the Judiciary.
CC: NP
Join the Daily West Nile WhatsApp group now to never miss an update from us.Download Host Media Now from the Play Store to watch HostTV, listen to Host Radio Live, and stay informed—all in one convenient app!
