Uganda Supreme Court Rules Military Trials for Civilians Illegal
- Veteran opposition leader under court martial for treason
- Military courts used to silence dissent, according to law body
Kizza Besigye addresses the media from the dock at the Makindye Martial Court in Kampala, on Nov. 20.
Photographer: Badru Katumba/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that prosecuting civilians in military court was unconstitutional, potentially offering relief for opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who’s under court martial for alleged treason.
Military judges lack legal training and their courts make no provisions for appeals, violating basic human rights, the Supreme Court panel ruled Friday.