Law Expert Claims Owiny-Dollo Has Caused a Constitutional Crisis After His Supreme Court Ruling

Constitutional lawyer Jude Byamukama has warned that the Supreme Court's ruling on the trial of civilians in military courts could create a legal crisis if not handled carefully. His remarks come amid growing pressure on the government to release detainees who were previously tried under the General Court Martial.

Jude Byamukama argued that the judiciary must take a measured approach instead of issuing blanket orders to release all prisoners.

“The most prudent thing to do would be to ask civilian courts to quickly weigh in on some of these cases and move them on a case-by-case basis,” he stated.

“A blanket order saying to release everybody would be irresponsible. People are judged differently.” Jude Byabakama said.

His statement counters allegations by opposition leaders and human rights activists who insist that all political prisoners must be freed immediately following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Many say that detaining civilians in military courts was illegal from the beginning, and their continued incarceration violates their rights.

However, government officials, including Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, have maintained that proper legal processes must be followed before any releases can occur.

The delay in implementing the ruling has sparked outrage, particularly from the opposition, which accuses the government of deliberately stalling to keep its critics behind bars.

If all detainees are freed without proper legal review, there could be unintended consequences, including the potential release of individuals with serious criminal allegations. On the other hand, failure to act swiftly could further erode public trust in the judiciary.

LINK: https://x.com/nbstv/status/1887018948094271891

With Uganda’s legal and political landscape now in turmoil, all eyes are on Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and the government to see how they will navigate this legal dilemma.