During his address, Museveni emphasized that the Court Martials have played a crucial role in swiftly addressing crimes committed with firearms. He referred to the overwhelming backlog faced by civilian courts, which struggle to manage various cases ranging from murder to robbery. “For stabilization, you need speed,” he stated, underscoring the necessity of military intervention in certain criminal cases.
The President also highlighted that those who illegally wield weapons should be treated as soldiers and tried accordingly. In response to calls for reform, he announced plans for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to review cases involving Karamojong youth imprisoned by military courts and consider pardoning those deemed rehabilitated.
Museveni’s stance has sparked debate among legal experts and civil rights advocates who question the implications of military trials on civil liberties. Nonetheless, his administration remains focused on maintaining order amidst ongoing security challenges.