The Opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has appealed to the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka to refrain from any plans of amending the UPDF Act with intentions of countering the recent Supreme Court decision on the trial of civilians in military courts.

This comes a day after Kiwanuka revealed to Parliament have written to the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo seeking guidance on the implementation of the Supreme Court decision that banned the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial.

While addressing the media on Wednesday at the UPC headquarters at Uganda House in Kampala, Faizo Muzeyi, the party Head of Media and Communication noted that they expect Kiwanuka not to violate the constitutional provisions by bringing amendments to the UPDF Act that will undo the court decision, but they encourage the Executive to view the progressive court decision as an avenue for reform and protect human rights, rule of law and constitutionalism in Uganda.

He further hailed the Supreme Court for standing its ground as an independent arm of Government and pronouncing itself on the trial of civilians in military courts, which decision has restored judicial hope in Ugandans and should not be shattered by those who are overzealous. 

Muzeyi further calls upon the Government to release with immediate effect Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya together with all those civilians being illegally detained in prison after being charged in the court martial.

By Charles Katabalwa

5 February 2025

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