FDC Applauds Supreme Court Ruling, Condemns Govt Attempts to Undermine Judiciary
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which upheld the Constitutional Court’s decision in the case of Hon. Michael Andrew Kabaziguruka Vs Attorney General.
The ruling declared that the Court Martial has no jurisdiction over civilian suspects, reinforcing the principle that military tribunals are meant strictly for disciplining errant army officers.
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The Court further directed that all cases involving civilians currently before military courts be transferred to civil courts.
In a statement, FDC Spokesperson John Kikonyogo praised the Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding justice, urging the government to immediately comply with the ruling by ensuring that no civilian suspects are tried in military courts.
The FDC has strongly condemned General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s criticism of the ruling, which he voiced during the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kyotera.
Additionally, the party has denounced the planned NRM caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi, which reportedly aims to push for constitutional amendments that would restore the Court Martial’s authority to try civilians.
The FDC views this move as a direct assault on judicial independence and an attempt to undermine the Supreme Court’s authority.
The party has vowed to challenge any such amendment in the Constitutional Court, emphasising that the Supreme Court’s ruling was not a mere observation but a binding legal order that the government must implement.
Beyond the Court Martial ruling, the FDC has also raised concerns about delays in Uganda’s judicial system, particularly cases where suspects have been on remand for over 10 years without trial.
The party argues that prolonged detention without trial violates fundamental human rights and demands urgent reforms to expedite case processing.
Additionally, the FDC is advocating for faster resolution of land disputes, some of which have dragged on for over 30 years, affecting multiple generations of petitioners and respondents.
The party stresses that unresolved land cases create economic instability and social tension and must be addressed through judicial reforms.
To combat case backlog, the FDC calls for an increase in the number of judges and court staff, improvements in court infrastructure, and better case management systems.
The FDC reiterated that justice must be swift and impartial, warning that failure to address judicial inefficiencies erodes public trust in the legal system.
The party says it remains committed to advocating for judicial independence, legal reforms, and protection of human rights to ensure that no Ugandan is subjected to unfair military trials or prolonged legal battles.
