Uganda to Comply with Landmark Ruling banning court martial
KAMPALA. Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa, has confirmed that the government will comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment nullifying all civilian trials in military courts and tribunals. This landmark ruling has been widely praised for its judicial activism approach in protecting Ugandans from potential government persecution.
Kiryowa stated that his team will thoroughly study the judgment and advise relevant government agencies on the necessary steps to take. This includes engaging with the UPDF leadership, prisons service, and Parliament to effect urgent reforms to the UPDF Act.
The Uganda Prisons spokesperson, Frank Baine, noted that they will only release detained civilians, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, upon receiving orders from the military court. However, defense lawyer Erias Lukwago plans to write to the Prisons boss, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, on Monday, demanding the immediate release of Besigye and Hajji Obed Lutale.
The Internal Affairs Minister, Gen Kahinda Otafiire, emphasized that the government has no option but to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision. As the apex court in Uganda, its rulings are final and binding.
The Supreme Court’s judgment has been hailed as a significant victory for the people of Uganda, shielding them from potential persecution by the government using the military justice system. Ugandans and Kenyans alike have taken to social media to commend the court’s judicial activism approach.
