By Aggrey Baba
The recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional continues to spark unrest and deep concern across Uganda, particularly in the wake of President Yoweri Museveni’s open defiance of the decision.
For years, numerous civilians have been unjustly tried and detained in military courts, a practice which has long been criticized for undermining the rule of law and violating basic civil rights.
Now, with the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, the public eagerly anticipates how the government will respond, particularly as President Museveni has on different occasions voiced his opposition to the ruling, leaving many questioning if gov’t will uphold the court’s decision.
Bugweri County Member of Parliament Hon. Abdu Katuntu has added his voice to the growing condemnation of this undemocratic practice.
Speaking on Capital FM on Saturday, January 8, Katuntu forcefully condemned the use of military tribunals to try civilians, which has been an ongoing issue in the country. “To call these military tribunals ‘courts’ is an insult to the rule of law,” Katuntu remarked, emphasizing that the military justice system is ill-equipped to handle civilian matters. “If you want to have a court for civilians within the military system, it must be fully qualified to interpret the law. You cannot allow unqualified individuals to play with the lives of innocent citizens.”
Katuntu’s criticism pointed directly to the heart of the issue, of the court martial’s wrongful expansion into civilian law. “Military courts should only deal with military law, not civil matters. This overreach undermines the integrity of our entire justice system,” Katuntu asserted, calling for swift reforms that would restore the intended purpose of military tribunals. He argued that the extension of military court jurisdiction over civilian cases is a serious violation of citizens’ rights.
The Supreme Court ruling, which struck down the practice of trying civilians in military courts, is seen as a victory for the rule of law and human rights.
However, it has not been without controversy. President Museveni has openly criticized the court’s decision, voicing his belief that military courts are necessary for national security, particularly in regions such as Karamoja, where security issues remain paramount.
His response to the ruling has raised serious concerns about whether gov’t will respect the judicial decision or continue to undermine the authority of the courts.
Katuntu, while acknowledging the public’s right to debate the ruling, did not mince words when addressing Museveni’s reaction. “It is one thing to disagree with a court decision, but it is entirely another to disrespect the legal process,” he said. “The president, regardless of his personal feelings, must honor the decision of the highest court in the land. The gov’t must stop playing with people’s lives and start respecting the rule of law.”
The issue has now escalated beyond just the military courts themselves, becoming a matter of whether the government will respect and adhere to the Supreme Court’s decision.
Katuntu’s firm stance reflects the growing frustration of Ugandans who are increasingly concerned about the erosion of their civil liberties and the manipulation of legal institutions for political gain.
As the nation watches closely, suspense escalates on whether the government comply with the Supreme Court ruling, or will it continue to defy the judicial process, further undermining trust in the country’s legal system.
The coming days will likely prove critical in determining whether Uganda’s democratic institutions can withstand the pressure from the executive branch and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
