By. Mirrors
In a significant escalation of tensions surrounding the use of military courts to try civilians, human rights activists Agatha Atuhaire and Godwin Toko were arrested this morning during a peaceful demonstration at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
The two activists, alongside a small group of supporters, gathered at the court to protest the trial of civilians in military courts, a practice they say undermines the principles of justice and human rights. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they called on the judiciary to take urgent action against what they described as “unchecked military overreach.”
Atuhaire, a prominent activist, had announced the protest on her social media platforms, expressing frustration over what she termed the judiciary’s “inaction” regarding their application to overturn the Kabaziguruka decision, which granted broad powers to military courts. In her tweet, she wrote:
“After some thought and the realization that other forms of action e.g our application to the @JudiciaryUG over the Kabaziguruka decision and a letter articulating the urgency of the matter of unchecked powers given to the military courts have continued to be ignored, I and other concerned Ugandans have decided on peaceful march to the Supreme Court.”
Both Atuhaire and Toko were detained shortly after arriving at the court premises, with police citing unauthorized assembly as the basis for their arrest. Witnesses report that the arrest was peaceful but underscored by a heavy police presence aimed at dispersing the demonstration.
The protest was part of a broader campaign advocating for the rights of civilians subjected to trial by military courts. Critics argue that such practices violate constitutional protections and international human rights norms. The issue has gained traction following the arrest and prosecution of opposition politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens under military jurisdiction.
Human rights groups, including Resurgence Network for Human Rights, have repeatedly called for reforms, stating that the use of military courts in civilian matters is a violation of due process and judicial independence.
The arrests have sparked outrage online, with hashtags like #FreeAgathaAtuhaire, #FreeGodwinToko, #JudiciaryOnTrial, and #StopMilitaryRule trending across social media platforms. Supporters of the activists have decried what they call an ongoing crackdown on dissent and peaceful assembly in Uganda.
One social media user wrote, “The judiciary is on trial. Standing up against injustice should not result in imprisonment. Free all political prisoners!”
Both Atuhaire and Toko are expected to be arraigned in court, though details of the charges remain unclear as of now. Activists have vowed to continue their campaign, calling on the judiciary to uphold the rights of all Ugandans and take a firm stand against military interference in civilian matters.
This morning’s events highlight the ongoing struggle between human rights advocates and state authorities, raising critical questions about the balance of power, justice, and the rule of law in Uganda.