Jane Frances Abodo Receives Greenlight to Take Over Ongoing Martial Court Cases

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has informed Parliament that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), led by Jane Frances Abodo, has been given the mandate to take over ongoing criminal trials that were previously under the jurisdiction of the General Court Martial.

This move follows the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling last Friday, which barred the trial of civilians in military courts.

“The Directorate of the Public Prosecution is advised to liaise with the General Court Martial and the UPDF to take over the conduct and ongoing criminal trials that have been identified for transfer,” Kiwanuka stated.

This directive signals a shift in Uganda’s legal landscape, ensuring that all civilian cases previously handled by military courts are now processed under civilian judicial systems.

The Supreme Court ruling has been hailed as a major victory for human rights, with legal experts arguing that trying civilians in military courts violates fundamental principles of justice.

The ruling also aligns Uganda with international standards that prohibit military jurisdiction over civilians in peacetime.

DPP Jane Frances Abodo is now expected to coordinate with military authorities to facilitate a smooth transition of cases.

However, opposition leaders and civil society organizations have raised concerns over possible delays and government reluctance to fully implement the ruling. Some have called for an immediate release of civilians still held under military jurisdiction.

LINK: https://x.com/DailyMonitor/status/1886753192215765281

Even as pressure mounts, legal analysts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government is committed to upholding the Supreme Court’s decision.

The spotlight now shifts to the DPP’s office, which has been entrusted with ensuring fair trials for affected civilians.