Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 80, has ignited controversy by defending the use of military courts to try civilians. This follows the arrest and military trial of his long-time rival, opposition leader Kizza Besigye, sparking a wave of criticism from human rights activists and international organizations.
Besigye, 68, faces charges of illegally possessing pistols and attempting to acquire weapons abroad allegations he firmly denies. His detention comes after an alleged abduction in Kenya last month, where he was forcibly returned to Uganda. Now, with his trial delayed until January, Besigye is set to spend Christmas in custody, heightening concerns about his treatment and rights.
Museveni’s Defense of Military Courts
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Museveni defended his government’s stance, arguing that crimes involving firearms threaten Uganda’s stability and require swift action, something he claims civilian courts are too slow to deliver.
Museveni explained that his National Resistance Movement (NRM) government passed a 2005 law allowing military courts to handle weapons-related cases. “The civilian courts were clogged with murders, rape, robbery, land disputes, and other cases,” he stated. “To ensure stabilization, you need speed.”
This explanation has drawn sharp criticism, as Uganda’s Constitutional Court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts. Besigye, a fierce opponent of Museveni and former personal doctor to the president, has also voiced his opposition to being tried by a military tribunal, insisting on the jurisdiction of civilian courts.
Political Rivalry and History of Arrests
Kizza Besigye, who has contested and lost four presidential elections against Museveni since 2001, has been arrested dozens of times throughout his political career but has never been convicted. Less active in recent years, Besigye announced his return to politics earlier this year to reunite a fractured opposition party.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the UN’s human rights chief Volker Türk, have condemned Uganda’s practice of trying civilians in military courts. Activists argue that these tribunals lack due process and serve as tools for silencing political dissent.
Opposition’s Struggle and Global Reaction
The treatment of opposition leaders in Uganda has raised broader concerns about political freedoms in the East African nation. Besigye’s supporters and international organizations have called for an end to the “weaponization of military detention” to stifle dissent.
However, Museveni defended the role of military courts, stating they had been vital in tackling armed criminals and maintaining peace in Uganda. “You have contributed to our peace,” Museveni concluded in his statement.
Broader Implications
This episode underscores the intensifying crackdown on political opposition in Uganda. With Besigye’s trial delayed and mounting pressure from activists, the case continues to highlight tensions between political freedoms and government policies on national security.
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