Besigye Fights Back: Top Ugandan Officials Sued for Ignoring Court Orders

The Attorney General of Uganda, Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe, Chairman of the General Court Martial, and several senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers are being sued for contempt of court. This legal action is initiated by the defense team of retired Colonel Kizza Besigye and Haji Lutale Obeid Kamulegyeya, accusing the officials of intentionally defying Constitutional Court orders.The case revolves around allegations that military courts continue to try civilians despite Constitutional Court rulings declaring such trials illegal. Two landmark cases—the Byarugaba Case (2022) and the Ssemujju Case (2023)—determined that the UPDF Act, 2005, which permits military courts to prosecute civilians, violates Uganda's Constitution. The court had directed that all pending cases involving civilians be transferred to civilian courts.However, the plaintiffs claim that these rulings have been ignored, with military tribunals persisting in prosecuting civilians. The legal team for Besigye and Kamulegyeya emphasized the constitutional implications of this defiance and expressed readiness to pursue justice in both national and international courts if needed.Key individuals named in the lawsuit include Brigadier General Mugabe, Colonel Joseph Ecelare Okalebo, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Ntungura, Major Angella Catherine Laker, Captains Nicole Etoru and Abdu Basajabalaba, and others linked to the General Court Martial.The lawsuit raises significant legal and constitutional questions about the jurisdiction of military tribunals and Uganda's adherence to the rule of law. It is expected to set a precedent that could reshape how civilians are tried in the country and redefine the scope of military courts.This case will be closely watched by the public and the international community as it tests Uganda's commitment to constitutional governance.Source: