“He Was Warned Several Times But He Didn’t Listen” Brigadier Mugabe Breaks His Silence Regarding The 2-Minute Ruling Against Lawyer Kiiza Amid Backlash

Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, the head of Uganda’s General Court Martial in Makindye, has come under scrutiny following his swift ruling in Lawyer Eron Kiiza’s contempt of court case. The ruling, which was delivered in just two minutes, has sparked a national debate surrounding justice and due process in Uganda. In the case, Brigadier Mugabe accused Kiiza of assaulting a court orderly and claimed that the lawyer had been previously warned about his behavior. “You were warned!” Mugabe reportedly stated during the hearing.

However, this rapid decision has raised concerns from critics, who argue that Kiiza was not given a chance to defend himself or fully understand the charges against him before the ruling was made. Mugabe, who has chaired the General Court Martial since 2022 after taking over from Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, presides over a military court that handles cases involving both military personnel and civilians charged under military law. The Court Martial’s primary role, according to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act, is to maintain discipline within the armed forces.

Despite this, the handling of cases involving civilians has raised concerns about fairness. Critics question whether the military court can provide an impartial judicial process when civilians are involved. Mugabe’s reputation for a no-nonsense leadership style and quick rulings has earned him both praise and criticism. While some admire his decisiveness, others argue that his haste undermines the fairness of the judicial process. One critic remarked that Mugabe seems more interested in displaying power than ensuring justice is served.

This incident is not the first time Mugabe has faced criticism. Many observers have raised doubts about the independence of the Court Martial, particularly in cases involving political figures or opposition members. Some perceive the court as a tool used to silence dissent. A legal expert commented that a ruling made without due process is not truly just, emphasizing that every accused person is entitled to defend themselves. The events surrounding Kiiza’s case have raised significant concerns about the state of fairness in Uganda’s military judicial system.

Despite the controversy, Mugabe remains a prominent figure in Uganda’s military justice system. His recent actions continue to highlight broader issues within the Court Martial, particularly regarding its role and limitations when handling civilian cases.