Top City Lawyers Fireback At Gen Museveni's Decision On Civilians Trial In Court Martial.

The President of Uganda Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today December 12, 2024 made a clarification on the Issue of Civilians being tried in the court martion where he has supported the law saying that it useful and has stabilized the country. 

However , this did not please some Learned friends which has prompted them to express their thoughts .

Lord Mayor and  a Senior Counsel wrote on his X official handle, "Strange! Just a day after the Supreme Court ruled that the courts of judicature have no jurisdiction to handle appeals from the GCM decisions,@KagutaMuseveni gives a diametrically contrary proclamation that the Court Martial system is subordinate to civilian courts! Failed state"!

Dr. Sarah Bireete a Lawyer and Human Rights  activist says, The Constitutional Court has ruled twice that it’s unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts. If @KagutaMuseveni ‘s argument was to be believed, then Jamil Mukulu and Thomas Kwoyelo (terrorists) would be facing charges in court martial not Criminal Division of High Court. 

Former minister in the Museveni government Home Sarah Opendi responds, "I guess the President wrote this before the Supreme Court Ruling yesterday on appeals arising from cases in the Court Martial. They stated that they have no Jurisdiction over their decisions. There is need to ammend the UPDF Act to provide for appeals in the Civil Courts". Opendi 

Jally Mkarungi supported the president, "The existence of the Court Martial in Uganda like you have informed us Sabalwanyi remains a key component of Uganda’s justice system, particularly in the context of national security and military discipline. It wasn't set up for anyone in particular but for the good cause".said. 

Mutesi Phiona, " Thank you, Your Excellency, for your continued leadership in ensuring the stability of Uganda. The Court Martial's role in maintaining order and reinforcing our security is crucial for the country's peace and progress".She said.