FULL STATEMENT: Museveni Speaks On Supreme Court Ruling Halting Civilian Trials In Military Courts

President Yoweri Museveni has strongly criticized Friday’s ruling by the Supreme Court that declared the trial of armed civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

In a statement, President Yoweri Museveni expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the trial of armed civilians in the Military Court Martial, stating:

“I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces?”

Museveni, who had just returned from an inspection tour in Busoga and Lango, described the ruling as a “wrong decision” and questioned why civilians who unlawfully obtain weapons should not be tried in a military tribunal. “If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” he asked.

The President commended Justices Chibita and Mugyenyi for supporting the government’s stance on the matter, noting that some judges still recognize the importance of military courts in handling cases involving illegal gun possession. He emphasized that the Court Martial helps reinforce the civilian judiciary by swiftly prosecuting individuals who threaten national security.

He also called on the Attorney General to propose amendments to the law that would allow for necessary adjustments to safeguard the role of military courts in protecting society. “We govern ourselves through referenda or constitutional amendments,” Museveni stated, adding that Uganda should not be influenced by Western legal standards that do not necessarily align with its security needs.

The Supreme Court ruling was a significant legal decision that reinforced the jurisdiction of civilian courts over all non-military individuals, including those found in possession of illegal firearms. However, Museveni maintained that military courts have played a critical role in stabilizing volatile regions, such as Karamoja, where armed criminal elements have previously terrorized communities.

The President’s remarks indicate a potential push for legal reforms to maintain the role of the military court in handling armed civilian cases, setting the stage for a renewed debate on the balance between national security and judicial independence in Uganda.