Sunday, June 7, 2020

Another retiree faces trial by Uganda court-martial

Uganda is perhaps the world leader in the (improper) use of courts-martial to try persons other than active duty military members. The latest victim is a 65-year-old retired general officer who is awaiting trial on charges of possession of a pistol and ammunition and wearing a camouflage uniform. He has been jailed pending trial. Details here.

The African Charter forbids the trial of civilians by court-martial. Uganda and other countries (yes, including the United States) deem retirees to remain subject to military justice, and Uganda treats weapons offenses as per se military crimes, regardless of the status of the accused.

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