United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has urged Uganda to cease prosecuting civilians in military courts, emphasizing that such practices violate international human rights laws.
In a statement, Turk voiced alarm over the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Nairobi and his forcible return to Uganda. He highlighted that Besigye was presented before a military court in Kampala the day after his abduction and charged with possession of firearms, an offence punishable by death.
Turk called on the Ugandan government to end such practices, urging adherence to international human rights standards. He further criticized the prosecution of civilians in military courts, underscoring the lack of due process afforded in such settings.
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"These abductions of opposition leaders and supporters must come to an end. The deeply troubling practice of prosecuting civilians in military courts in Uganda is inconsistent with the country’s international human rights obligations," Turk said.
He referenced the findings of the UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The committee has previously noted that civilians tried in Uganda’s military courts do not receive the same legal protections as those in civilian courts and has urged Uganda to immediately remove military court jurisdiction over civilians.
Besigye’s abduction has reignited concerns about Kenya being used as a staging ground for dissidents to be forcibly taken back to their home countries under questionable circumstances. While public opinion has been critical, Kenyan authorities have dismissed the allegations and expressed confidence in the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
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