Supreme court ruling on military trial proves Uganda’s democracy – SPA Namyalo

Kampala, (UG):- The Senior Presidential Advisor (SPA) on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has hailed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that halted the trial of civilians in military courts, calling it a victory for Uganda and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

“The Supreme Court ruling is a win for Uganda and the NRM, showcasing our democracy. No one can now claim there’s no rule of law or an unbiased judiciary,” Hajjat Namyalo popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu, said during her appearance on NTV Uganda’s Ebigambo Tebitta this morning.

Namyalo who doubles as Manager of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC), emphasized that the decision proves the strength of Uganda’s democracy and the independence of the judiciary. “This ruling proves the independence of our courts in serving the people,” she stated.

Namyalo’s remarks signal President Yoweri Museveni’s government commitment to upholding the rule of law, reinforcing its position as a democratic state that respects judicial independence. Her statement also counters critics who have previously accused the government of using military courts to suppress dissent.

The landmark ruling with a panel of seven Supreme Court Justices, delivered on January 31, 2025, halted all ongoing proceedings involving civilians being tried in military courts, a practice that had sparked legal debates and human rights concerns for over two decades.

The case, Attorney General v. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, challenged the constitutionality of prosecuting civilians under military law, with the Supreme Court ultimately siding against the state.

As human rights activists and political observers welcome the grand ruling, the decision taken by the country’s annex court has been widely praised by legal experts, including the Uganda Law Society (ULS) who described it as a “crucial victory for constitutionalism and human rights.”