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Uganda's President Signs Law Allowing Military Trials for Civilians

Uganda's President Signs Law Allowing Military Trials for Civilians

Above: Yoweri Museveni during the opening session of the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China in Kampala on Jan. 21, 2024. Image copyright: Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

This law is crucial for national security and addressing armed criminals who pose a threat to Uganda's stability. Military courts are necessary because civilian courts are too busy to handle gun-wielding criminals quickly, and the amendment addresses previous concerns by requiring legal qualifications for tribunal judges.

The law directly contravenes the Supreme Court's constitutional ruling and serves as another means of silencing political dissent. Military courts often lack impartiality and competence, resulting in civilians facing harsher penalties and prolonged detention without proper judicial oversight.

This law is crucial for national security and addressing armed criminals who pose a threat to Uganda's stability. Military courts are necessary because civilian courts are too busy to handle gun-wielding criminals quickly, and the amendment addresses previous concerns by requiring legal qualifications for tribunal judges.

The law directly contravenes the Supreme Court's constitutional ruling and serves as another means of silencing political dissent. Military courts often lack impartiality and competence, resulting in civilians facing harsher penalties and prolonged detention without proper judicial oversight.


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