Human rights activists in Uganda have announced plans to resume protest marches against the trial of civilians in military courts, as they await a ruling from the Supreme Court on the matter.
Led by Agather Atuhaire, a journalist and lawyer, the activists expressed outrage over what they described as the increasing impunity in the military's handling of civilian trials. Speaking to the press in Kampala on Friday, Atuhaire revealed that they had recently submitted a petition to the Supreme Court challenging the continued trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, his assistant Obeid Lutale, and their lawyer Eron Kiiza in a military tribunal.
"We managed to submit the petition on Thursday, but were physically harassed in the process," Atuhaire said. "The police are arresting people who are fighting for justice, and this is why we need all Ugandans to stand up now," she added, surrounded by a group of youths who had previously taken part in the July 2024 anti-corruption march to Parliament.
The activists argued that Ugandans should respond to the situation by protesting, similar to the July demonstrations which saw over 100 people detained on charges of "public nuisance." "If we stay silent now, the government will continue to tighten its grip, and the cycle will repeat for future generations," said Praise Aloikin Opoloje, one of the leaders of the July protests.
On Tuesday, the military court in Kampala extended the detention of Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and their co-accused, Capt. Dennis Oola, until February 3, 2024. They face charges related to national security, firearm possession, and treason. Kiiza was also sentenced to nine months in prison by the Makindye military court.
Activists also criticized Isaac Ssemakadde, president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), accusing him of ignoring Kiiza's case. "Ssemakadde campaigned on a platform of action, but has instead written more letters than any of his predecessors," said activist Gideon Kwikiriza. He and other protesters are calling for Ssemakadde to lead a group of lawyers to the Supreme Court to demand action from Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo against the trial of civilians in military courts.
Atuhaire stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that while the Constitutional Court had already declared such trials illegal, its ruling had been stayed due to a government appeal. The appeal is still pending, and activists are urging the Supreme Court to resolve the matter, as the delay has now stretched into more than three years.
Ssemakadde was unavailable for comment, and Kampala police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire warned that security forces would be ready to prevent any protests.
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