By General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called for a formal apology from the Supreme Court following its ruling that military courts have no jurisdiction over civilians, warning of unspecified consequences should the apology not be issued.
“I want a written apology from the Supreme Court for the judgment they made against the UPDF and Uganda. If I don’t get that apology quickly, other things will follow,” Muhoozi posted on X.
The Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered on January 31, 2025, declared that the General Court Martial is strictly a disciplinary body for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and cannot legally try civilians.
Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that military courts lack the impartiality and legal framework necessary for conducting fair trials of civilians.
Despite this ruling, opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye remains in military detention.
Dr. Besigye was arrested in Nairobi in November 2024 and later transferred to Uganda, where he faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and treachery. His ongoing trial before a military tribunal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that it directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s decision.
President Yoweri Museveni has previously dismissed the court’s ruling, asserting that military courts remain essential for cases involving armed suspects.
Muhoozi echoed this sentiment in a separate post, stating:
“Ugandans are beginning to understand that in this country, there is only ONE power! Field Marshal Yoweri Museveni.
The judiciary has yet to respond to Muhoozi’s demand for an apology. However, legal experts and opposition figures have raised concerns over the independence of the courts and the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The situation has intensified debates over the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive, as well as the rule of law in Uganda.
