Bobi Wine On Supreme Court Ruling Against Military Trials for Civilians

On January 31, 2025, Bobi Wine On Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw the trial of civilians by military courts. He stated that for years, he and others had condemned these trials as inherently unfair, describing them as a tool of persecution used by the regime against its political opponents.

He highlighted that since 2020, over 2,000 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters had been abducted, tortured, and subjected to military trials. According to him, this ruling was a significant step in addressing these injustices.

Bobi Wine emphasized that the ruling validated the voices of thousands who had suffered illegal prosecution before what he referred to as “kangaroo courts.” He reiterated his long-standing position that civilians should only be tried in civilian courts, stating that this judgment reaffirmed the fundamental principle of fair justice.

Bobi Wine Calls for Fair Trials for Soldiers

In addition to supporting the decision for civilians, Bobi Wine on supreme court ruling welcomed the Court’s directive to transfer all pending cases against soldiers to civil courts. He stressed the importance of ensuring that even serving army officers receive fair trials under a transparent and independent judicial system.

His Say On Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law

Still Bobi Wine On Supreme Court expressed optimism regarding the recent ruling, which he described as a pleasant surprise to the majority of Ugandans. He stated that this decision marked an essential step toward restoring the judiciary’s image, which, over time, had been tainted by its failure to uphold independence and impartiality.

He emphasized that the judiciary must demonstrate that this ruling is not an isolated case but rather the beginning of a consistent and fair justice system for all Ugandans. He insisted that the country deserves a judiciary that respects constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, regardless of who is affected by its decisions.

Also Read: Breaking News: Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Orders Transfer of Civilian Cases from Military Courts

Bobi Wine On Supreme Court Ruling As He Calls for the Release of Political Prisoners

Bobi Wine reiterated his demand for the immediate release of all political prisoners. He specifically mentioned Dr. Kizza Besigye and his colleague, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, along with several members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who he referred to as prisoners of conscience. These included Agaba Anthony (Bobi Young), Yasin Ssekitoleko (Machete), Kato Umar, Patrick Mwase, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Abdallah Kintu, Umar Kato, Kavuma Musa, Jimmy Galukande, Gibusiwa Abdallah, and many others who remain incarcerated.

He concluded with a message of resilience, affirming that Uganda would ultimately achieve freedom. He stressed that every small victory along the way was significant in the broader struggle for justice. He also said that no one, whether civilian or soldier should be subjected to a sham judicial process.