Sunday, April 14, 2019

Shocking news: Uganda to try civilians in military court

OK, it's not shocking. But here's the story. Excerpt:
The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Force (UPDF) has on Friday, April 12, charged five civilians of impersonation and possession of forged Military Identity Cards and Army uniforms which are a monopoly of UPDF.

The accused, Akora Brian, Bwiire Robert, Namu Gerald, Wasswa Juuko and Ssewanyana Yahaya appeared before the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) Unit Disciplinary Committee for their actions in violation of the Penal Code Act Chapter 120.
The disciplinary committee referred the case to a division court-martial.

Human rights jurisprudence strongly disfavors the trial of civilians by military courts. The 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights entirely forbids it. Uganda is a persistent violator of the rule. 

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