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President Yoweri Museveni praised the Court Martial for its vital role in stabilizing Uganda, highlighting its introduction in 2005 to complement civilian courts overwhelmed by escalating criminal cases. He defended its use for trying civilians involved in gun-related crimes, emphasizing the need for swift action to maintain stability.

President Yoweri Museveni commended the Court Martial for its significant role in stabilizing Uganda.

In a December 12 statement, the president explained that the Court Martial was introduced in 2005 to complement civilian courts, which were overwhelmed with numerous cases, as criminal activities escalated.

“I have seen the arguments in the papers by some lawyers regarding the correctness of some civilians being tried in the Court Martial. I want to affirm that, that move was correct and useful and it has contributed to the stabilization of Uganda,” the president said.

“Why? It is the NRM that in the year 2005 enacted this law through Parliament. This was because of the rampant activities of criminals and terrorists that were using guns to kill people indiscriminately,” he added.

Museveni highlighted the challenges faced by civilian courts at the time, noting they were inundated with cases ranging from murder and rape to robbery, land disputes, and divorces. He emphasised that these courts could not swiftly handle gun-related criminal cases, which were crucial for maintaining stability.

“For stabilization, you need speed,” he stressed.

The president also clarified that the Court Martial is subordinate to the general court system, ensuring its decisions can be appealed if necessary.

“If the Court Martial judged badly, the superior courts will rectify the issue. The advantage is that, in the meantime, these dangerous actors are legally being fed, medically treated by the State, and are kept away from harming people,” he said.

He further pointed out that the Court Martial serves not only to protect the public but also to deter lawbreakers from engaging in activities that could lead to their deaths during confrontations with security agencies.

“It is also good for the lawbreakers because that dangerous enterprise of theirs of killing people can lead to their own deaths in the encounters with peace and law-protection agencies,” Museveni noted.

The president asserted that a referendum would likely show overwhelming public support for the Court Martial.

“Should we have a referendum on this issue? Why would lawyers not see what the ordinary mwanainchi sees?” he asked.

“If we were to have a referendum in the affected districts neighbouring Karamoja on this issue, I am sure 100% would support the law. Long live the eyokyeero of the Court Martial courts. You have made your own contribution to our peace,” he concluded.