By Mugula Dan
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Court Martial, which he said has done a great deal to stabilize the country by prosecuting criminals who use firearms and other military equipment.
Makindye Military Court
Museveni in a statement said that before the government and parliament prepared and passed the Martial Law in 2005, the country was covered with criminals who used guns and other weapons to cause harm to people including murder.
He cited the example of Karamoja which he said was covered by youths who were stealing guns ,but since the military court intervened and sent about 900 youths to Kitalya jail, Kalamoja has now found relief.
He lashed out at lawyers who have been opposing the prosecution of civilians in a military court, saying that as long as a citizen who should not have a firearm is found in possession of it and involved in crimes, the military court will deal with him
President Museveni said before the establishment of the military court, the ordinary courts were overcrowded with cases related to various types of crimes, so these courts did not give enough time to deal with gun cases quickly . . . .
The establishment of this military court was very right and its work has helped to stabilize the country, and it should remain.
General Museveni’s comments come amid controversy among lawyers and politicians who oppose the court’s decision to try civilians in the military court
These include several politicians including the latest Retired Col Dr Kiiza Besigye and several NUP supporters who have been charged in the court for possession of weapons
Lawyers and politicians allege that the NRM government is using the court to rob its opponents.
The President then commented on the Court Martial, with the Court of Appeal also giving its judgment read out by Judge Lydia Tebatemwa, who held that all decisions of the military court are final and the ordinary court does not interfere.
The verdict is based on a case filed by Lt. Col. Ambrose Ogwanga who had appealed against the 29-year sentence handed down by the military court.