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President Yoweri Museveni has called for constitutional amendments to uphold military courts’ authority in trying civilians found with illegal firearms. Reacting to a Supreme Court ruling against this practice, he argued that military courts are crucial for national security and questioned why armed civilians should not face military trials.

President Yoweri Museveni has called for constitutional amendments to reinforce the use of military courts in trying civilians found in possession of illegal firearms.

“Let, therefore, the Attorney-General propose the amendments to the constitution of the laws to help our Judges in future from interfering with this useful self-protection instrument for the Country and also remove any irrationalities if any,” Museveni said in a statement issued on Saturday, February 1.

The President, who had just returned from an inspection tour in Busoga and Lango, expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s ruling against trying armed civilians in military courts. He defended the practice, arguing that military courts are essential for maintaining national security and protecting Ugandans from armed criminals.

“Why do you arm yourself with guns if you are not a soldier, and moreover, for criminal purposes? Firearms are a monopoly of the Armed Forces,” Museveni said.

He acknowledged that while some judges opposed the military trials, he was encouraged by the stance taken by Justices Mike Chibita and Christopher Gashirabake Mugyenyi, who supported the move. The Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, also suggested that military courts could be used with some procedural adjustments.

Museveni dismissed concerns about the jurisdiction of military courts, questioning why cases like theft of army rations should be handled in civilian courts. “How easy will it be to try soldiers who have stolen Army rations in civilian courts because stealing is an offence in the penal code? Why not try them in the military court with a right to appeal to the higher National Courts if you are not satisfied?” he posed.

He cited the role of military courts in stabilizing Karamoja, saying civilian magistrates had been hesitant to work in the region. “The Military Courts have pacified Karamoja and also saved thousands of Karachunas (warrior youths) that are now guests of the State in the Prisons, who could probably be dead by now in their confrontations with the Army,” he said.

Addressing concerns about human rights, Museveni questioned why Uganda should be criticised for allowing military trials of armed civilians when Western countries allow same-sex marriages. “If jurisdictions in the Western Countries can provide that a man can marry another man or a woman another woman, why can’t ours provide that a criminally minded civilian that acquires a gun for criminal intentions be tried in a Military Court?” he asked.

The President emphasised that cases of rape and corruption involving the military should also be handled in military courts to protect the integrity of the Army.