Museveni Rejects Court Ban on Military Trials of Civilians.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni reacted Saturday to a Supreme Court ruling that bars military courts from trying civilians.
"Judges do not govern the country. The people govern it," Museveni said after returning from regional tours. He ordered changes to let military courts handle civilians caught with illegal guns.
The court had ruled all civilian cases must move to regular courts. Past convictions stand unless under appeal. Military personnel charged with civil crimes also face transfer to civilian courts.
Museveni defended military courts as vital for security. "The Military Courts helped us to discipline Karamoja. We cannot abandon this useful instrument for stability," he said, citing a volatile region.
He questioned critics of the system. "If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns for criminal purposes?"
The opposition National Unity Platform praised the court's decision. Party leader Lewis Rubongoya said it helps activists who have faced military prosecution since 2020.
The court suggested reforms to Parliament, including making the General Court Martial part of the High Court and adding civilian judges to military courts.
A political fight looms. Museveni's ruling party holds enough seats to change the constitution, but rights groups plan to resist.
The president claimed civilian judges avoid conflict areas, leaving military courts as the only option. The Supreme Court wants strict limits on trying civilians in military courts.
The ruling marks a clash between executive power and judicial independence in Uganda's democracy.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni reacted Saturday to a Supreme Court ruling that bars military courts from trying civilians.
"Judges do not govern the country. The people govern it," Museveni said after returning from regional tours. He ordered changes to let military courts handle civilians caught with illegal guns.
The court had ruled all civilian cases must move to regular courts. Past convictions stand unless under appeal. Military personnel charged with civil crimes also face transfer to civilian courts.
Museveni defended military courts as vital for security. "The Military Courts helped us to discipline Karamoja. We cannot abandon this useful instrument for stability," he said, citing a volatile region.
He questioned critics of the system. "If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns for criminal purposes?"
The opposition National Unity Platform praised the court's decision. Party leader Lewis Rubongoya said it helps activists who have faced military prosecution since 2020.
The court suggested reforms to Parliament, including making the General Court Martial part of the High Court and adding civilian judges to military courts.
A political fight looms. Museveni's ruling party holds enough seats to change the constitution, but rights groups plan to resist.
The president claimed civilian judges avoid conflict areas, leaving military courts as the only option. The Supreme Court wants strict limits on trying civilians in military courts.
The ruling marks a clash between executive power and judicial independence in Uganda's democracy.
