Rwakafuuzi, Human Rights Defenders Hail Supreme Court Ruling on Civilians’ Trial in Military Courts

Feb 1, 2025 - 09:52
Feb 1, 2025 - 10:01
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Rwakafuuzi, Human Rights Defenders Hail Supreme Court Ruling on Civilians’ Trial in Military Courts

Prominent human rights  Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi and other activists have applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

The decision, delivered on Friday, has been widely welcomed as a crucial step toward upholding justice and the rule of law in Uganda.

Speaking to the press from his residence in Kampala, where he closely followed the High Court ruling online, Rwakafuuzi emphasized that all Ugandans have a duty to speak out against injustice. “Ugandans should not keep quiet when they see any form of injustice. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the constitution is not abused.

The court martial has been misused for a long time by perennial offenders, but today, the Supreme Court has said no and put an end to this abuse,” he stated.

Dr. Sarah Bireete, another leading human rights advocate, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the ruling reaffirms the supremacy of civilian judicial institutions in handling cases involving non-military personnel.

The decision has also drawn praise from opposition figures, including National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, who took to his X platform to celebrate the verdict. Kyagulanyi has long condemned the trial of civilians in military courts, arguing that it undermines fundamental principles of fair trial and judicial independence.

For years, Uganda's military courts have prosecuted civilians, often in politically charged cases, sparking concerns from legal experts and human rights organizations. Critics have argued that such trials violate constitutional rights and serve as a tool for suppressing dissent.

With this ruling, the Supreme Court has reinforced the importance of adhering to Uganda’s constitutional framework, ensuring that justice is administered through appropriate legal channels.

Human rights defenders now call on the government and security agencies to fully implement the decision and cease any further attempts to subject civilians to military court trials.

This ruling is seen as a pivotal moment in strengthening Uganda’s justice system, with hopes that it will lead to broader legal and human rights reforms in the country.

Benjamin Mwibo Benjamin Mwibo is a talented, passionate and creative journalist with a commitment to high quality out put that is factual and researched. Above all Dedicated with a strong desire to identify the truth of the matter.