Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Attorney General to draft constitutional amendments in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. This directive comes after the Supreme Court ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing military trials of civilians and mandated the transfer of such cases to civil courts.
During a statement made on February 1, 2025, Museveni criticized the court’s decision, asserting that “the country is not governed by the judges. It is governed by the people—all of us Ugandans, who are old enough to vote.” He emphasized the strategic importance of military courts in maintaining national security and stability, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Karamoja.
The Supreme Court ruling has been hailed by human rights activists as a significant victory for the rule of law. However, Museveni dismissed it as misguided and argued that military courts are essential for protecting Ugandans from armed criminals. He questioned why civilians who illegally acquire firearms should object to being tried in military courts.