“Don’t Celebrate Yet Because We Won’t Release Your Kizza Besigye Until He Faces Full Extent Of Martial Law” UPDF Tells Off Ugandans

On January 31, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the General Court Martial (GCM) has no jurisdiction to try civilians, declaring its involvement in such cases unconstitutional. This landmark decision, delivered by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, upheld an earlier Constitutional Court ruling that had nullified military trials of civilians. The verdict dealt a significant blow to the government’s longstanding position on the matter.

Despite the ruling, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has shown resistance to backing down. Colonel Chris Magezi, the Military Assistant of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in Charge of Public Relations, issued an official UPDF statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision.

The statement emphasized that the General Court Martial would continue to try individuals accused of conspiring to murder the president, committing armed rebellion against Uganda, or engaging in terrorism. Furthermore, it explicitly stated that Colonel Kizza Besigye would not be released until he faced the full extent of martial law. The statement also mentioned that the final decision on the matter would be made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of the High Command.

With the Court Martial standing firm on its position, attention now shifts to the fate of Dr. Kizza Besigye. Many are eager to see how this legal and political battle will unfold following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

As a Ugandan, what are your thoughts on the ongoing dispute between the Supreme Court and the Court Martial? Feel free to share your opinion below.