Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has strongly criticized the recent Supreme Court ruling that halted the trial of civilians in military courts, calling it “shocking and unacceptable.” Speaking during the 44th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations in Kyotera, he appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene.
“Last week, we were shocked to receive a judgment from the Supreme Court that in effect halts all trials conducted by military courts. This is a serious matter, and I appeal to the President to intervene,” he said.
Gen. Muhoozi further stated that the UPDF’s historical mission predates the laws being debated today and that military courts have played a crucial role in disciplining the armed forces and handling security-related offenses.
“The historical mission of the UPDF, which predates the laws being debated today, could not have been achieved without a highly disciplined force,” he added.
He also announced that the Army High Command will meet to determine the official response to the ruling.
“As the UPDF, we are going to sit as the Army High Command and come up with a position on this matter. We cannot ignore a ruling that affects the core of our security operations,” he stated.
UPDF Operations in Somalia and DR Congo
Beyond domestic security concerns, Gen. Muhoozi provided updates on Uganda’s military engagements in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Somalia: Managing the ATMIS-AUSSOM Transition
Ugandan troops are playing a key role in the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Security Support Mission (AUSSOM).
“In Somalia, our troops are managing the transition well from ATMIS to AUSSOM,” Muhoozi said, underscoring Uganda’s continued commitment to stabilizing the Horn of Africa.
Operation Shujaa: Crushing the ADF in DR Congo
Gen. Muhoozi also highlighted the success of Operation Shujaa, a joint UPDF-FARDC offensive launched three years ago against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern DRC.
“Over the past three years, since the launch of Operation Shujaa, the joint forces have severely degraded and dismantled ADF as a fighting force,” he stated.
He further noted that ADF’s operational capabilities have been significantly reduced, thanks to the destruction of their bases and the elimination of key senior commanders.
“It has been greatly weakened. We have destroyed their bases and eliminated many of their senior commanders,” he said.
Despite these gains, Muhoozi reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to continuing operations until the ADF is completely neutralized.
“Simply put, our fight against the terrorists in Congo is promising much hope to the people of that region. We will therefore stay on course until the ADF menace is eliminated,” he assured.
Security and Political Implications
Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks highlight the UPDF’s strategic priorities in both domestic and regional security. The Supreme Court ruling has sparked debate between human rights activists, who see it as a step toward judicial independence, and security officials, who argue it weakens Uganda’s fight against crimes linked to terrorism and armed rebellion.
As discussions continue, there is speculation that the government may explore legal reforms to reinstate military courts’ authority over certain security-related offenses. Meanwhile, Uganda’s engagements in Somalia and DR Congo remain central to its broader security agenda in East and Central Africa.
