Ugandan Military Court Warns Expatriates of Prosecution for Attempts to Oppose The Museveni Regime

The General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, has issued a stark warning to Ugandans abroad contemplating the use of arms to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni, declaring that they will face prosecution upon arrest in any country. The court emphasized its jurisdiction over crimes committed by Ugandans globally, including in nations such as the USA and the UK.

This ruling emerged from a case where the military court’s authority was challenged by defense lawyers representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his political ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. The two face charges related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition procurement, with the alleged crimes occurring in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya. Unbeknownst to them, Ugandan security agents had been tracking their activities.

This decision adds to concerns about human rights violations in Uganda, where activists and opposition figures frequently face persecution. The government’s actions have drawn international criticism for suppressing dissent and targeting those who challenge the regime. The ruling signals a continuation of Uganda’s hardline stance against political opposition, extending its reach beyond national borders.