By Frank Kamuntu
National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has welcomed yesterday’s Supreme Court decision that halted the trial of civilians in military courts, calling it a significant victory for justice and human rights in Uganda.
The ruling marks a landmark moment in Uganda’s legal history, as it upholds the fundamental principle that civilians should not face trial in military courts. For years, Kyagulanyi and other political activists have strongly criticized the use of military courts to try civilians, particularly in cases involving government critics and opposition figures.
In his statement, Kyagulanyi commended the Supreme Court for halting what he described as “inherently unfair trials,” which have long been a tool of persecution against opposition members. He pointed out that since 2020, over 2,000 supporters of the NUP have been abducted, tortured, and subjected to military tribunals. These trials, he stated, were a clear violation of constitutional rights and due process.
“We welcome today’s judgment because it vindicates the cries of thousands who have been suffering illegal prosecution before these kangaroo courts. It reaffirms what we have always said—civilians must be tried by civilians,” Kyagulanyi remarked.
The Supreme Court ruling also addressed the issue of military officers who have been tried under military court systems, directing that all pending cases involving soldiers be transferred to civil courts. This, according to Kyagulanyi, is an important step in ensuring fair trials not just for civilians, but for soldiers as well. He emphasized that no individual, regardless of their status, should face unjust trials in military tribunals.
While celebrating the ruling, Kyagulanyi urged the judiciary to ensure that this decision is not an isolated case but the beginning of consistent and impartial justice for all Ugandans. He called on the judiciary to restore its credibility, which he argued had been tarnished by past instances of bias and a lack of judicial independence.
The NUP leader also reiterated his call for the immediate release of political prisoners, including opposition leaders such as Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, along with numerous NUP members who remain behind bars for their political activism. Kyagulanyi named several individuals who he described as “prisoners of conscience,” demanding their release and an end to politically motivated arrests.
“We must continue to fight for the release of our political prisoners. Uganda will be free! Every small victory along the way matters,” Kyagulanyi declared, signaling that the struggle for democracy and justice in Uganda is far from over.
Kyagulanyi concluded with a hopeful note, stating that the Supreme Court’s ruling is an important step in Uganda’s journey toward justice, fairness, and respect for human rights. He also stressed the need for the government to demonstrate true commitment to constitutional values and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court’s decision to halt military trials for civilians is widely seen as a significant victory for human rights defenders and activists across the country. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the ruling and whether further judicial reforms will follow to ensure greater transparency and fairness in Uganda’s legal system.
