Uganda Supreme Court Bans Military Trials of Civilians

Uganda's Supreme Court has ruled that prosecuting civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, ordering an immediate halt to such trials and the transfer of ongoing cases to civilian courts. Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo stated that military courts lack the legal competence to conduct fair trials for civilians, emphasizing that justice must be seen to be done. This landmark decision offers relief to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has faced serious charges in military court, which critics claim are politically motivated. The ruling also addresses concerns over the impartiality of military courts, which have been accused of unfairly targeting political opponents of President Yoweri Museveni. Legal experts view this decision as a necessary step for reforming Uganda’s military justice system to comply with constitutional protections. The ruling reflects growing pressure from human rights advocates and calls for judicial independence in handling civilian cases.