The administration of Justice in Uganda’s General Court Martial has been cast once again into the limelight. The focus on this seven-member military tribunal led by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe comes after veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale were charged after being abducted by security operatives in Nairobi.
The perception that this military court is remotely controlled by President Yoweri Museveni since he is the Commander–in–Chief played out when Dr Besigye told the panel that had read him the charges that they have no jurisdiction over him since he is civilian. Dr Besigye’s claim was predictably rejected by Brig Mugabe’s team, insisting they have the jurisdiction to try civilians under the Uganda People’s Defence (UPDF) Act.
