Museveni Defends Military Trials for Civilians Amid Outcry Over Besigye’s Arrest

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 80, has defended the controversial use of military courts to try civilians following widespread criticism over the detention and trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Besigye, 68, a longtime political rival of Museveni, was charged in a military court with possession of firearms and allegedly attempting to purchase weapons abroad—allegations he vehemently denies.

Abduction and Military Detention

The opposition leader was reportedly abducted in Kenya last month and forcibly transported to Uganda, where he was charged and detained. On Tuesday, the military court postponed his trial until January, meaning Besigye will remain in custody through the holiday season.

Museveni Justifies Military Court System

In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Museveni defended the practice, stating that crimes involving firearms must be swiftly addressed to maintain national stability. He argued that civilian courts are overwhelmed by various cases and cannot handle gun-related offenses efficiently.

“Any crime involving a gun must be tried in the military court to ensure stability,” Museveni stated. “The civilian courts are clogged with cases—murders, rapes, assaults, robberies, land disputes, divorce matters, etc. Stabilization requires speed.”

Museveni noted that in 2005, his National Resistance Movement (NRM) government passed a law permitting military trials for civilians to counteract what he described as rampant criminal activity involving firearms.

Legal and Human Rights Concerns

The use of military courts to try civilians has been a point of contention in Uganda. Despite a Constitutional Court ruling against the practice, it remains common. Activists and legal experts have raised concerns about the fairness of these trials.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk criticized the practice, emphasizing that civilians in military courts are denied the same legal protections guaranteed in civilian courts. Human Rights Watch has similarly called on Uganda to cease using military detention as a political weapon, particularly against opposition leaders and their supporters.

Besigye’s Response

Besigye, a seasoned opposition figure who has challenged Museveni in four presidential elections, maintains that his case belongs in a civilian court. “If there are charges against me, they should be handled in a civilian court with proper due process,” he said through his lawyers.

Over the years, Besigye has faced numerous arrests but has never been convicted. Recently, he announced his return to active politics to unify his party, which has split into factions. His detention has drawn condemnation from activists and rights groups, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on political dissent in Uganda.

A History of Rivalry

Besigye, once Museveni’s personal physician, has been one of the president’s fiercest critics for decades. While he was less active in the 2021 elections, his return to politics this year has reignited tensions between the two leaders.

The Bigger Picture

Critics argue that Museveni’s reliance on military courts reflects his tightening grip on power after nearly four decades in office. However, Museveni praised the military courts’ role, saying, “You have made your own contribution to our peace.”

As international scrutiny intensifies, the case of Besigye raises broader concerns about Uganda’s human rights record and the shrinking space for political opposition in the East African nation.