The National Unity Platform (NUP) has issued a challenge to the Supreme Court of Uganda, calling for more decisive action following its recent ruling on the Court Martial. 

According to the Party President, Robert Kyagulanyi during a press conference at their headquarters at Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division in Kampala, the Court Martial ruling is nothing to celebrate because it is yet to be implemented.

However, Kyagulanyi adds that through party lawyers they are going to continue pushing for justice for their members and all Ugandans who were being tried in the Court Martial.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court judges have been challenged to resign in response to President Yoweri Museveni’s comments on the Supreme Court judgment on the trial of civilians in the Court Martial.

Nakaseke South Member of Parliament, Paul Ssemakula Lutamaguzi says whereas the Supreme Court ruled against the trial of civilians in Military Court, the statement by President Museveni undermines the independence of the judicial system which should not be taken lightly.

The President’s remarks about the Supreme Court judgment have attracted criticisms from the public, especially from lawyers, equating them to overthrowing the constitution of Uganda

Lutamaguzi says that the judges led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owinyi-Dollo should not pay a deaf ear to the unfortunate statements by President Museveni that undermine the judiciary but show their displeasure by resigning if they are to protect and promote the rule of law and also preserve their legacy.

Lutamaguzi further challenged human rights activists to come out with a bold statement demanding the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, in consideration of the many political prisoners whose cases are before the Military Court.

By Charles Katabalwa/Francis Lubega

4 February 2025

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