Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday condemned a Supreme Court ruling that civilians cannot be tried in military courts, while the army insisted it would continue court-martialling ex-presidential candidate Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor, became a key opposition figure after joining the opposition 25 years ago and running unsuccessfully for president four times.
He was abducted in November and faces the death penalty on treason charges in a military court, which his wife, UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima, has called a “sham”.

The country’s chief justice ruled on Friday that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional, raising hopes that Besigye’s case might be dropped.
“I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court,” Museveni said on X.
Uganda “cannot and will not abandon this useful instrument for stability,” he added, arguing that “armed illegal operators” should face military courts for society’s protection.
‘A Military State’
Army spokesman Chris Magezi stated that “under no circumstances will Colonel Kizza Besigye be released until he faces the full extent of martial law.”
He added that the General Court Martial would continue prosecuting those accused of conspiring to murder the president, engaging in armed rebellion, or committing acts of terrorism.
Opposition leaders and human rights defenders condemned the army’s stance.
Politician Medard Sseggona told AFP it reflected a “breakdown of the rule of law” in Uganda.
“The military’s defiance of the ruling is shocking but telling,” said former opposition MP Michael Kabaziguruka, who had previously challenged his own military trial, leading to Friday’s landmark decision.
“We are in a military state,” he warned, adding that he would closely watch how the army responds to the ruling.
The UN and several rights groups have raised concerns about opposition suppression ahead of Uganda’s presidential election, expected in January 2026.
By then, the 80-year-old Museveni will have ruled for 40 years.