President Yoweri Museveni released a statement via his official X (Twitter) account saying: “Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. Greetings. 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?”
President Yoweri Museveni recently returned from inspection trips in Busoga and Lango, where he expressed his delight at seeing village residents actively participating in the money economy. He noted that the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga funds were helping Ugandans invest and improve their livelihoods
Upon his return to Kampala, the president voiced disappointment over a Supreme Court decision regarding civilians found in possession of firearms being tried by the Military Court Martial. He emphasized that as a freedom fighter, he supports this method, arguing that it strengthens the Civilian Judicial System by protecting Ugandans from armed criminals.
Museveni questioned why civilians, who are not soldiers, would illegally arm themselves with firearms, which should remain the monopoly of the Armed Forces. He argued that those who acquire weapons illegally should not complain when they are subjected to military court proceedings, especially when their cases involve security matters.
President Yoweri Museveni Praises Judges Supporting Military Court Trials
According to the summary provided to him by the Attorney General, the president noted that some foreign-influenced judges appeared to be reconsidering their stance on this matter. He appreciated Justices Chibita and Mugyenyi for siding with the logic that resonated with the ordinary Ugandan people, supporting the trial of armed civilians in military courts.
President Museveni commended Justices Chibita and Mugyenyi for supporting the trial of armed criminals in the Military Court Martial. He extended his salutations to these judges for their stance on the matter.
Chief Justice’s Consideration of Military Court Use
The president acknowledged that the Chief Justice (CJ) recognized the potential role of the Military Court Martial, provided some procedural adjustments were made. He welcomed this perspective and noted that even judges who ruled against the government offered valuable insights that could contribute to improving the system of trying civilians in military courts.
Justification for Military Court Trials
Addressing concerns over military court jurisdiction, Museveni responded to questions about why soldiers should face military trials for crimes like rape. He emphasized that one of the purposes of military courts is to protect the army from criminal elements and streamline legal procedures.
He also questioned the practicality of trying soldiers in civilian courts for offenses such as stealing army rations, arguing that military courts provide an efficient system with the possibility of appealing to higher national courts if necessary.
Also Read: Bobi Wine On Supreme Court Ruling Against Military Trials for Civilians
Success of Military Courts in Karamoja
Museveni highlighted the effectiveness of military courts in stabilizing Karamoja, a region previously troubled by insecurity. He noted that civilian magistrates had been hesitant to operate there, but the Military Court system helped restore order. He credited the military courts for pacifying the region and detaining thousands of Karachunas (warrior youths) who had previously contributed to instability.
President Museveni’s Final Remarks on the Supreme Court Ruling
Governance and the Role of Judges
President Museveni reiterated that Uganda is not governed by judges but by the people, through voting and constitutional processes such as referenda and legislative amendments. He emphasized that laws can be changed through Parliament to align with the country’s needs.
Call for Legal Amendments
The president urged the Attorney General to propose constitutional and legal amendments to prevent judicial interference with the use of military courts as a tool for national security. He suggested that any irrationalities in the current legal framework should be addressed through these amendments.
President’s Comparison with Western Legal Systems
Museveni questioned why Uganda could not establish laws allowing military trials for civilians with criminal intent, given that Western countries have made significant legal provisions in other areas, such as same-sex marriage
Military Courts for National Protection
President Yoweri Museveni reaffirmed that serious offenses such as rape and corruption within the military are already handled by Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. Similarly, he maintained that civilians who illegally acquire and use guns should initially be tried in Military Courts to safeguard society.