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DP urges an immediate end to civilian trials in military courts

14 January 2025, 2:46 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The President of the Uganda Young Democrats in the Democratic Party, who also serves as the party’s Spokesperson, Ismail Kirya, told the media in Kampala today that the Democratic Party opposes the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial. His statement follows Dr Kiiza Besigye’s court appearance earlier today.

According to the Democratic Party, counsel Eron Kiiza, one of Dr Kiiza Besigye’s defence lawyers, was mistreated during proceedings at the General Court Martial. Kirya stated: “Counsel Eron Kiiza was convicted and sentenced to Luzira Prison by the General Court Martial last week while representing his client, Dr Kiiza Besigye. The court arrested him, tried him, and sentenced him to nine months’ imprisonment. While counsel Eron Kiiza may have a case to answer, as the Democratic Party, we firmly oppose the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial.”

Kirya further criticised the General Court Martial for acting outside the bounds of the law. “The General Court Martial continues to distance itself from the rule of law and constitutionalism under the command of the President. We insist on this point because the court martial has become politicised and lost its direction long ago when it began acting in a partisan manner,” he said.

In conclusion, the Democratic Party called for an immediate end to the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial, arguing that civil courts exist to handle such cases. The party also emphasised that Dr Kiiza Besigye, no longer a soldier, should be tried in a civil court. Kirya stated: “We call for an immediate halt to the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial.”

Dr. Kiiza Besigye at the court.
Democratic Party, counsel Eron Kiiza.
DP spokesperson, Ismail Kirya speaking to members of press.