Summary:
President Museveni stressed that prosecuting soldiers in civilian courts could undermine military discipline.
KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the importance of military courts in upholding discipline within the army and handling cases involving armed criminals.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of new judges at State House Entebbe in Kampala on Wednesday, President Museveni stressed that prosecuting soldiers in civilian courts could undermine military discipline.
He recalled that in the 1960s, freedom fighters argued that justice should be tailored to society rather than imposed on Ugandans by European standards. He credited this approach with helping the government better understand truth and justice.
Museveni also expressed his support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, highlighting their role in fostering a more accessible and efficient justice system.
“It is not primarily the responsibility of lawyers, but it would be helpful if legal professionals understood our people’s perspectives. That way, when we enact legislation, it will be well received,” he said.
He urged the new judges to serve with integrity and ensure that Uganda’s justice system reflects the values and aspirations of its people.
