By AGGREY BULUBA
Uganda – The Supreme Court’s recent decision to strip military courts of their authority over civilians has caused a political storm, with Uganda’s first son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, openly rejecting the ruling.
Delivered last Friday, the ruling declared that military courts lack the independence and fairness required to try civilians, rendering ongoing cases before these courts unconstitutional.
Led by Chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo, the judges argued that military tribunals—such as the General Court Martial and its appeals structures—are too closely linked to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command, compromising their impartiality. They called for urgent amendments to the UPDF Act to bring it in line with constitutional principles guaranteeing a fair trial.
However, Gen. Muhoozi voiced strong opposition to the ruling during the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations at Kasasa playground in Kyotera District. He warned that the decision could weaken national security and disrupt discipline within the armed forces.
“This is an unfortunate development that could cause serious problems,” Muhoozi said. “We are already engaging the Ministry of Defence and the Attorney General to ensure necessary legal adjustments are made.”
He assured Ugandans that the military remains committed to maintaining national security, especially with the country approaching a heated election period. “We are watching closely. No one should think they can disrupt the peace we have built,” he cautioned.
President Yoweri Museveni, who had earlier criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling, described it as misguided. “It is unfortunate to hear such a ruling. The governance of the country should not be left entirely in the hands of judges,” he remarked with disappointment.
Museveni defended military courts as an essential complement to civilian courts in dealing with armed criminals who pose a threat to national stability.
Despite his earlier criticism, Museveni did not dwell on the court ruling during the Tarehe Sita event. Instead, he highlighted Uganda’s economic progress, noting that the country’s GDP is projected to reach $59.3 billion by June.
The President celebrated Uganda’s scientific strides, particularly in pharmaceuticals, praising Dei BioPharma Ltd, a local biotech firm producing life-saving medicines and vaccines.
Tarehe Sita, which marks the 1981 attack that launched the Bush War that brought Museveni to power, was observed under the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
Despite the legal controversy, government officials used the event to emphasize Uganda’s bright economic future. The President expressed confidence in steady growth, especially with the country’s oil production plans on track.
As the debate over military courts continues, the nation remains at a crossroads, balancing its security needs with constitutional principles. For now, all eyes are on how the government will respond to this landmark ruling.
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