MP Kabaziguruka petitions Constitutional court

Nakawa Municipality MP Michael Kabaziguruka has petitioned the Constitutional court seeking to declare that the General Court Martial and other military courts are unconstitutionally established.

Kabaziguruka who is facing treachery charges in the Army court at Makindye says these courts are merely tribunals set up for purposes of disciplining errant military officials and not courts of law within the meaning of the Constitution.

Through his lawyers of Lukwago and company advocates Kabaziguruka also wants the powers of the military court chopped and be limited to only disciplining soldiers rather than charging them (soldiers) and civilians with any other offences.

Kabaziguruka accuses the 6th Parliament of over stepping its powers by creating section 197 of the UPDF Act that establishes the General Court Martial other than a mere tribunal to instill discipline among UPDF soldiers.

He now wants the Constitutional Court to order for his discharge and that of other persons whom he says are wrongly tried in the Army court.

MP Kabaziguruka was arrested on 8th/June 2016 and charged before the General Court Martial in Makindye with treachery and offences relating to security which the prosecution says he committed in connivance with several UPDF officers.

He was later remanded to Kigo government prison only to be released on bail last month whereas his trial is set for December 6th in the Army court.

Written by David Kugonza