John Kikonyogo, FDC spokesperson
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has lauded the Supreme Court’s recent landmark ruling that upheld the Constitutional Court’s decision in the case of Hon. Michael Andrew Kabaziguruka Vs Attorney General. The court outlawed the trial of civilian suspects in the military Court Martial, describing it as a disciplinary tribunal meant for errant army officers.
The Supreme Court further directed the transfer of all civilian cases from the Court Martial to civil courts, a move that FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo hailed as a victory for justice and the rule of law.
“We in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) welcome this landmark judgment and hail the justices of the Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and preserving justice,” Kikonyogo said.
The FDC urged the government to comply with the court ruling by immediately transferring all civilian cases to civil courts. Kikonyogo emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring that civilian suspects are not unfairly subjected to military trials.
However, the FDC expressed concern over General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s public criticism of the ruling during the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kyotera, as well as plans for an NRM caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi aimed at pushing for constitutional amendments to empower the Court Martial to try civilians.
“We view this move as a direct challenge to the Supreme Court’s ruling and an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary,” Kikonyogo noted.
He warned that should Parliament attempt to pass such amendments, the FDC would challenge the move in the Constitutional Court.
“If Parliament succeeds in processing this amendment, we will challenge it in court because it is void. The Supreme Court ruling was not an observation but an order, which the government must enforce henceforth,” Kikonyogo asserted.
Beyond the court martial issue, the FDC called for the swift resolution of long-standing court cases, particularly those involving suspects who have been on remand for over a decade.
“This is not just a matter of justice but a humanitarian concern. Suspects who have languished in jail for extended periods without trial have essentially been denied their right to a fair and timely trial,” Kikonyogo stated.
The party also highlighted the need for expedited resolution of land cases, some of which have dragged on for over 30 years, often outliving the petitioners and respondents.
“Many land cases have stretched on without delivering justice. The petitioners die, their heirs also die, and eventually, the grandchildren are left fighting over the same cases,” Kikonyogo lamented.
To address these concerns, the FDC is advocating for judicial reforms, including increasing the number of judges, improving court infrastructure, and implementing more effective case management systems.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The Ugandan judiciary must take steps to clear the backlog of cases and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a fair and timely trial,” Kikonyogo concluded.
The FDC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and upholding the principles of justice in Uganda.
FDC condemns gov’t response on trials of civilians in military Court Martial
