Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has defended the use of military courts in trying civilians, arguing that the Court Martial system has been a critical tool in addressing the security challenges Uganda has faced over the years. In a statement addressing national concerns raised by some legal experts, the President emphasized that the practice is both lawful and effective, having been established through an act of Parliament in 2005.
The President pointed out that the law was introduced to combat rampant criminal and terrorist activities, particularly those involving firearms. He noted that these cases required swift action, which was often hindered by the backlog in civilian courts dealing with a wide range of cases, including murder, robbery, and land disputes.
“It is the NRM that in the year 2005 enacted this law through Parliament because of the rampant activities of criminals and terrorists that were using guns to kill people indiscriminately,” Museveni said. He further explained that individuals who illegally acquire firearms are effectively operating as rogue soldiers and, therefore, must be tried by the Court Martial, the institution tasked with handling matters involving weapons.
Museveni also underscored that the military courts operate as part of the broader judicial system and are subordinate to the civilian courts. “If the Court Martial judged badly, the superior courts will rectify the issue,” he assured.
The President highlighted the role of the Court Martial in restoring peace in Karamoja, a region that has historically faced instability due to cattle rustling and armed violence. During his recent tour of Karamoja, local leaders and elders appealed to him to pardon thousands of Karamojong youth currently in prison for offenses related to illegal possession of firearms.
“Kitalya Prison has, apparently, 2,000 inmates, and the Karamojong youth account for 900 of that number,” Museveni revealed. He attributed the return of peace in Karamoja and its neighboring areas to the combined efforts of military operations and the swift, focused work of military courts.
The President criticized civilian courts for what he termed as “child play” in handling gun-related crimes, arguing that the bail system and prolonged remands contribute to inefficiency and undermine security efforts. He commended the Court Martial for its ability to quickly determine the innocence or guilt of suspects, ensuring that dangerous individuals are removed from society while providing a fair appeals process.
Reflecting on the success of the Court Martial in maintaining peace, Museveni suggested that a referendum in districts affected by insecurity would likely show overwhelming support for the military courts.
The President concluded by directing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and other army leaders to audit the Karamojong youth in prison to identify those who could be pardoned, while separating them from hardcore criminals who should remain incarcerated.
“Long live the eyokyeero (reinforcement) of the Court Martial courts. You have made your own contribution to our peace,” Museveni declared, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining stability and security across Uganda.
The statement is expected to spark further debate among legal experts, human rights activists, and the general public about the balance between security and civil liberties in Uganda.
