Ugandan President Supports Military Trials Amid Opposition Leader’s Detention

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, aged 80, has publicly supported the practice of using military tribunals for civilian cases, a stance taken amidst significant public criticism regarding the apprehension and prosecution of opposition figure Kizza Besigye. Besigye, 68, a political opponent of Museveni, faces charges in a military court for possessing pistols and allegedly trying to acquire weapons internationally, allegations which he refutes. Besigye, who was reportedly abducted last month during a visit to Kenya and subsequently brought to Uganda against his will, learned on Tuesday that his trial’s postponement until January means he will remain in detention over the Christmas period. Museveni stated that offenses involving firearms are handled by military courts to safeguard national stability, citing the protracted nature of proceedings in civilian courts. Despite a ruling by the Constitutional Court against the practice, hundreds of civilians have undergone trials in Uganda’s military judicial system. In an extensive post on X, President Museveni remarked, “I have seen the arguments in the papers by some lawyers regarding the correctness of some civilians being tried in the Court Martial.” He further explained that his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party facilitated the passage of legislation through parliament in 2005, authorizing the use of military courts due to the “rampant activities of criminals and terrorists that were using guns to kill people indiscriminately.” He added, “The civilian courts were clogged with the many court cases of the whole country: murders, rape, assaults, robbery, land matters, divorce matters etc, etc. They could, therefore, not handle these gun-wielding criminals quickly. Yet, for stabilization you need speed.” Besigye has expressed his opposition to being tried by a court martial, asserting that any charges against him should be addressed in a civilian judicial setting. As a prominent adversary of Museveni, Besigye has participated in and lost four presidential elections against Uganda’s long-serving leader, who assumed power in 1986. In recent years, his political involvement has diminished, and he did not participate in the 2021 election. The experienced politician, who previously served as Museveni’s personal physician, has faced arrest numerous times in Uganda but has never been found guilty. Earlier this year, he declared his intention to re-engage in politics to address issues within his party, which has divided into two factions. Supporters, including activists and human rights organizations, have voiced their backing for Besigye, denouncing his treatment as unjust. UN human rights chief Volker Türk stated, “Civilians tried in Uganda’s military courts do not receive the same due process guarantees as those in civilian courts.” Information suggests that his arrest had been orchestrated over several months. Human Rights Watch has called upon the Ugandan government to cease the “weaponization of military detention” and the prosecution of political opposition leaders and their adherents. However, Museveni maintained that the East African nation’s use of court martials was warranted. He concluded his remarks by commending them, saying: “You have made your own contribution to our peace.”