Uganda Law Society pushes back on courts-martial of civilians

The Uganda Law Society has criticized the country's continuing use of military courts to prosecute civilians. Details here. Excerpt:

Speaking at the launch of the 7th rule of law quarterly report, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, the chairperson of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) rule of law and strategic litigation committee, said the clause is "dangerous" and soils the nation's reputation.

“The army is in bad light whenever civilians are tried, especially if they have political underpinning or alliances," he said.

"Lead the move to push for the amendment of this law to remove the dangerous clause that is putting us in bad light and is increasingly giving room to all the critics."

Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa, the chairperson of the ULS advisory panel, said although the UPDF Act provides for trial of civilians in the army court, the rationale is not enough to have them face the military court.

“We know that there is a law, the UPDF Act, which apparently authorises the trial of civilians on ground that they have been found with firearms. There is no rationale to support it.

"Civilians should be tried in proper civil courts,” he said.