Lawyers representing former court-martial accused have threatened to petition the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court for an immediate suspension of the military court system, arguing that their clients risk being taken back before the court-martial even as appeals remain pending before the two courts.
Their concerns deepened after Brig Gen Richard Tukachungurwa, a figure who has previously been sued in matters they filed, was appointed to lead the reorganised military court structure.
The announcement of a Military Court Steering Committee has sparked outrage among the legal teams, who argue that it was improper to constitute a new structure before the top courts rule on challenges to amendments of the UPDF Act, the legislation that underpins the military court system.
Speaking to journalists, Erias Lukwago, one of Dr Kizza Besigye’s lawyers, questioned both the timing and legality of the move.
“You cannot set up a new military court committee when the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court have not yet ruled on the very law we are challenging,” he said.
“This is an attempt to predetermine the outcome of ongoing cases.”
National Unity Platform lawyer Samuel Muyizzi described the appointment of Brig Gen Tukachungurwa as “shocking,” noting his past involvement in cases they are contesting.
“We sued him in these matters. How then do you put him in charge of the same court?” Muyizzi asked. “This is exactly why we say the military court has become an instrument used against political opponents.”
The lawyers say they are preparing to return to the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court to seek an urgent suspension of the newly appointed committee until all their petitions are heard and concluded.
Lukwago warned that without swift intervention, civilians—especially opposition supporters—risk being returned to the court-martial during a tense election period.
“If the opposition does not unite to challenge this, many people will find themselves back before the court martial,” he said. “We must stop this before more rights are violated.”
Muyizzi echoed the call for wider political solidarity. “This committee can easily be used as a tool in the upcoming elections,” he said.
“That is why all democratic forces must resist it.”
Brig Gen Tukachungurwa, recently promoted, previously served as an advisor to the presiding judge of the court-martial.
He is known for dismissing allegations raised by Besigye and his co-accused, and for presiding over the contentious detention of lawyer Eron Kiiza, who was accused of misconduct during a military court session.
The matter continues to draw heated reactions as legal and political actors await the next steps from the courts.