The political pundits in Kisoro District have expressed mixed reactions regarding the rule of law in Uganda following the recent clash between the judiciary and the executive branches of government.
The tension between the two branches has raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the potential erosion of democratic institutions.
The head of the executive branch, President Y.K. Museveni, vowed not to implement a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the trial of civilians by military courts, firmly defending the military court system as essential to the country’s security and stability.
As a result, this situation has become a subject of ridicule in Kisoro and across Uganda.
Hebert Nsabimana, a political analyst, emphasized the need for cooperation, collaboration, and interdependence between the judiciary, executive, and legislature as a better way to uphold the rule of law, as outlined in Uganda’s constitution.
Nsabimana argued that the clash between the branches is indicative of a deeper crisis in Uganda’s governance structure, calling for reforms to ensure the judiciary’s independence.
Furthermore, Byaruhanga Bernard, a political observer and education curriculum specialist at Metropolitan International University, pointed out the confusion surrounding the judiciary’s ruling and the executive’s response.
He noted that while the executive rejected the Supreme Court ruling, Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Obed Rutale, did not appear in court.
Byaruhanga called for respect for the judiciary as a crucial branch of government and a key pillar in embracing democracy in Uganda.
Similarly, Tumwesigye Aggrey, a political science lecturer at Metropolitan International University, accused the court martial and the UPDF of being penetrated by the ruling junta, which has led to increased abuse of civilians’ rights through military court trials.
He further revealed that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) holds a majority in Parliament, which has limited the effectiveness of checks and balances in Uganda’s political system and ensured that the executive branch retains significant power to govern.
