In Uganda – Military Court Scene Turns Violent as MP is Assaulted

In a shocking turn of events at the General Court Martial today, Muhydin Sanya Kakooza, an outspoken member of parliament, was subjected to a brutal assault by security forces. Witnesses report that Kakooza was beaten with batons and forcibly removed from the premises following his vocal disagreement with the court’s decision to deny bail.

Muhydin Sanya Kakooza was severely beaten with batons and dragged out of the General Court Martial today.
This after he spoke out vehemently in disagreement with the ruling of the military court declining to grant them bail.

The Military court has said that as MPs we're… pic.twitter.com/NnflNNurI0

— Joel Ssenyonyi (@JoelSsenyonyi) April 15, 2024

The military tribunal cited concerns over the accused individuals’ lack of fixed residences, despite their status as MPs who could potentially act as sureties. However, court records reportedly contain detailed information about their residential addresses, casting doubt on the rationale behind the decision.

Allegations of coercion within the prison walls have also surfaced, with political prisoners claiming that military personnel, government ministers, and other officials have attempted to pressure them into accepting terrorism charges and implicating members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in exchange for financial incentives, including large sums of money and property.

Accusations of persecution, rather than legitimate prosecution, have been vehemently raised by Kakooza and his supporters. They assert that the prolonged delay in the trial, spanning three years, is indicative of a lack of substantial evidence against the accused.

“This is persecution, not prosecution,” declared Kakooza. “We must unite in condemning these actions, as today it’s us, but tomorrow it could be anyone.”

The incident underscores growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the abuse of power within the judicial system. With echoes of past cases involving figures like former police chief Kale Kayihura, the specter of political persecution looms large over Uganda’s legal landscape.