The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations of injustice in its court martial system, stating that such accusations are deliberate attempts to discredit military courts and shield offenders from accountability.
Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Relations, issued a strong rebuttal on Monday, December 16, 2024, labeling the criticism as “systematic and unfounded attacks” aimed at undermining the credibility of the military judiciary. His response was triggered by an article in the Daily Monitor titled Glaring Difference Between Army and Civilian Courts, which questioned the operations of military tribunals.
Brig Gen Kulayigye pointed to the arrest of political figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his bodyguard Hajji Obeid Lutale on November 20, 2024, as the source of the recent backlash. The pair was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, prompting critics to label military courts as “kangaroo courts” and question their authority to try civilians.
One of the vocal critics, lawyer Eron Kiiza, alleged that military tribunals in Uganda are illegitimate and operate outside the bounds of the law. Brig Gen Kulayigye refuted these claims, emphasizing that the Supreme Court has established military courts as legitimate components of Uganda’s judicial system, subordinate to the High Court.
“The UPDF Court Martial is guided by structured judicial processes and includes trained legal professionals, such as judge advocates, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and registrars, all of whom are accredited advocates of the High Court of Uganda,” Brig Gen Kulayigye explained.
He further argued that claims of unfairness and lack of adherence to the adversarial system are unfounded, asserting that military courts follow procedures comparable to civilian courts.
The UPDF is currently awaiting a Supreme Court ruling in the landmark case Attorney General vs. Kabaziguruka, which will further clarify the role of military courts in trying civilians.
As public debate intensifies, Brig Gen Kulayigye called for an end to what he termed “misleading narratives” about the military justice system. He urged all stakeholders to respect legal principles and rely on accurate interpretations of the law rather than promoting falsehoods.
The UPDF reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes while ensuring that all cases are handled fairly and transparently.