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Museveni defends military courts as essential tool for stability following Supreme Court ruling

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President Yoweri Museveni has strongly defended the use of Military Courts in Uganda, describing them as a vital instrument for maintaining stability and discipline, particularly in regions like Karamoja. His remarks came in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that questioned the jurisdiction of Military Courts over civilians.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Museveni emphasized the critical role Military Courts have played in pacifying Karamoja, a region long plagued by armed violence and lawlessness. He revealed that civilian magistrates were often too fearful to operate in the area, leaving Military Courts as the primary mechanism for restoring order.

“Military Courts have pacified Karamoja and saved thousands of Karachunas (warrior youths) who are now guests of the State in prisons. Without this intervention, many of these youths could have died in confrontations with the Army,” Museveni stated.

The President argued that Military Courts complement the civilian judicial system, particularly in addressing armed criminality. “This is a method we, the freedom fighters, support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our people against criminals armed with guns,” he said.

Museveni questioned why civilians who illegally arm themselves for criminal purposes should object to being tried in Military Courts. “If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with such matters? Soldiers are held accountable in these courts, so why not armed civilians?” he added.

He further stressed that Uganda is governed by its people, not by judges. “The country is governed by all Ugandans old enough to vote. We govern ourselves through referenda, constitutional amendments, or parliamentary legislation. Judges interpret the laws; they do not make them,” Museveni asserted.

Calling for legislative action, the President urged the Attorney General to propose constitutional amendments to clarify the role of Military Courts.

“Let the Attorney General propose amendments to the constitution or laws to assist our judges in the future and prevent interference with this useful self-protection instrument for the country. Any irrationalities, if they exist, should also be addressed,” he said.

Museveni also highlighted the importance of Military Courts in safeguarding the integrity of the Army. Cases such as rape and corruption within the military are tried in these courts to protect the institution. He argued that civilians illegally operating with guns should initially face trial in Military Courts to ensure societal protection.

The President’s remarks underscore his administration’s commitment to maintaining Military Courts as a key component of Uganda’s justice system, despite legal challenges and criticism. His call for constitutional amendments signals a potential push to solidify the role of Military Courts in the country’s legal framework.

As the debate over the jurisdiction of Military Courts continues, Museveni’s stance highlights the tension between judicial oversight and executive authority in Uganda, raising questions about the balance of power and the rule of law in the East African nation.

On Friday at approximately 4:00 PM, a panel led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo declared that all cases and trials of civilians before military courts must immediately cease and be transferred to civilian courts. However, the ruling does not apply retrospectively to cases already decided.

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