The Senior Presidential Advisor (SPA) on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has hailed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling halting the trial of civilians in military courts, calling it a victory for Uganda and the ruling NRM party.
Speaking on NTV Uganda’s Ebigambo Tebitta program on Saturday morning, Namyalo who doubles as Manager of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC), emphasized that the decision proves the strength of Uganda’s democracy and the independence of the judiciary.
“No one can now claim there’s no rule of law or an unbiased judiciary. This ruling proves the independence of our courts in serving the people,” she stated.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on January 31, 2025, bars military courts from trying civilians, a practice that had sparked legal debates and human rights concerns for over two decades. The case, Attorney General v. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, challenged the constitutionality of prosecuting civilians under military law, with the Supreme Court ultimately siding against the state.
The ruling has been widely praised by legal experts, human rights activists, and political leaders. The Uganda Law Society (ULS) described it as a “crucial victory for constitutionalism and human rights.”
Namyalo’s remarks signal President Yoweri Museveni’s government commitment to upholding the rule of law, reinforcing its position as a democratic state that respects judicial independence. Her statement also counters critics who have previously accused the government of using military courts to suppress dissent.
