UPDF: Court Martial will Continue to Try Anyone who Conspires to Murder the President, Commits Armed Rebellion Against Uganda

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have issued a statement following Uganda’s Supreme Court ruling that halted the trial of civilians in military courts.

The statement released on 1 Feb 2025 by Col Chris Magezi, the Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, noted that the Court Martial will continue to try any one who conspires to Murder the president or commits armed Rebellion against Uganda.

“The General Court Martial will continue to try anyone who conspires to Murder the president, commits armed rebellion against Uganda,”

He noted that under no circumstances will Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye be released until he faces the full extent of martial law.

“The final decision on this matter will be taken by the CIC and Chairman of the High Command, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Magezi said.

Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale are facing trial in the General court Martial. The two, along with Captain Denis Oola from UPDF armoured brigade, face five charges, including treachery and illegal possession of firearms.

The ongoing trial has been protested by his lawyers saying they are civilians who are supposed to be tried in the civilian courts.

These noted that the trial before the General Court Martial is unconstitutional. They averrred that the General Court Martial lacks jurisdiction over them, as civilians cannot be tried in a military court for offences allegedly committed outside Uganda, something that was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday 31.