KAMPALA
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has said government is implementing the Supreme Court directive requiring the transfer of criminal cases involving civilians from the General Court Martial to civilian courts.
Speaking to journalists at the Democratic Party (DP) headquarters on Balintuma Road in Rubaga, Kampala, on Tuesday, Mao said the process follows the Supreme Court ruling in the case filed by Michael Kabaziguruka, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
He, however, blamed some defence lawyers and accused persons for politicising court proceedings, saying such actions delay the administration of justice.
“If you have lawyers who spend more time politicking than handling your case, then you are in trouble,” Mao said.
He added: “If you choose to treat your case as political, then you should take it the Nelson Mandela way and be prepared to spend more time in prison.”
Mao said while every suspect is entitled to a fair and speedy trial, ministers cannot interfere with judicial processes.
“I want to assure you that we should allow the system that has already been established to work,” he said.
Commenting on the continued detention of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale, Mao criticised the denial of bail, describing it as a constitutional right that should not be withheld arbitrarily.
He said courts should uphold the principle that bail is a right and not a privilege, urging judicial officers to ensure suspects are treated fairly while cases are being processed.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in the Kabaziguruka case effectively barred the trial of civilians before military courts, prompting government to begin transferring affected cases to the civilian justice system.
