Mukulu speaks, court shakes: Torture, terror, the test of justice

Last week, Uganda’s courtrooms became the epicenter of high-stakes legal drama.

From explosive terrorism allegations to courtroom battles over torture, military trials and election fraud, the nation’s justice system was thrust into the spotlight. With each case, larger questions are being asked — about human rights, constitutional boundaries, and the integrity of Uganda’s democracy.

Here’s a deep dive into the week’s most gripping legal showdowns.

JAMIL MUKULU: TERRORISM, TORTURE

After years of silence, Jamil Mukulu, the once-feared leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), appeared in court under tight security at the International Crimes division.

Alongside co-accused Muhammed Matovu and Omar Abdallah Mutuka, Mukulu faces charges of terrorism, murder, robbery and crimes against humanity — stemming from a series of attacks between 2011 and 2015 across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Represented by opposition MP and advocate Medard Lubega Sseggona, Mukulu’s defense team questioned Uganda’s right to try him for crimes allegedly committed outside its borders, calling it a violation of the extradition agreement with Tanzania. But what shocked the courtroom even more were harrowing new torture allegations.

Co-accused Omar Mutuka claimed that during detention, he was beaten with pangas, forced to drink urine from a bottle, and left with lasting scars.

“He was hit until he bled,” Sseggona told the court. “He was forced to ingest human waste. His injuries are still visible.”

The prosecution dismissed the claims as tactics to delay the trial. A preliminary ruling on whether the charges can proceed is expected on June 23.

MP ALLAN SSEWANYANA FACES FRESH TERROR CHARGES

Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana is once again under the legal microscope, following fresh charges linking him to the 2021 “bijambiya” machete killings that shook central Uganda.

The attacks left over 30 people dead and many more injured in Masaka, Rakai and parts of Kampala. Presented in court by the director of Public Prosecutions, the updated charge sheet alleges that Ssewanyana helped finance and abet the deadly attacks.

He appeared before Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, alongside four co-accused who remain in custody at Luzira prison. Ssewanyana is currently out on bail, but the prosecution has made it clear: if the terrorism charges fail, they will press on with charges of murder, attempted murder and aiding terrorism. The court has postponed any plea until the full weight of evidence is reviewed.

THE FIGHT OVER MILITARY TRIALS

One of the most heated debates of the week came with the tabling of the UPDF Amendment Bill. Introduced by Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, the bill seeks to reinstate military trials for civilians — despite a Supreme court ruling earlier this year declaring the practice unconstitutional.

If passed, the law would allow civilians found with guns, impersonating soldiers, or accused of serious crimes like treason to be tried in military courts.

“This bill isn’t a step backward,” said Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

“It creates exceptions for national security threats.” But critics were swift to respond. On NBS’s Frontline, MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda asked, “How is it that Jamil Mukulu, accused of terrorism, is tried in a civilian court, yet an ordinary citizen with a gun is dragged before a military tribunal?”

The bill has ignited fierce debate in parliament and among human rights activists. A legislative showdown now looms over whether Uganda’s legal future will prioritize security or civil liberties.

KAWEMPE NORTH PETITION: VOTE-BUYING, WITNESS BRIBES

The tug-of-war over Kawempe North raged on last week as MP Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola defended his seat against NRM candidate Faridah Nambi. The High court, under Judge Bernard Namanya, heard new claims of witness coercion and vote-buying.

Two affidavits supporting Nalukoola were thrown out after a witness, George Mawumbe, said he was pressured to withdraw his testimony. Another, Nathan Kyemba Muwanguzi, stunned the courtroom when he confessed to being promised Shs 1 million to backtrack — but only received Shs 200,000.

“I’m still waiting for the balance,” he told the court. Nambi maintains that she lost more than 16,000 votes due to tampering in her strongholds. But under cross-examination, she admitted that her figures were not based on official Electoral Commission results, but rather her own campaign reports. The case resumes this week with more witnesses expected to testify.

CONCLUSION: COURTS AT A CROSSROADS

From terrorism and torture to contested elections and constitutional crises, last week revealed a justice system grappling with immense pressure — political, legal and moral.

These cases are more than courtroom drama; they are tests of how far Uganda’s judiciary can stretch to uphold truth, fairness and the rule of law. As Judge Komuhangi, Justice Namanya, and the entire judiciary navigate these complex legal waters, the nation watches — not just for verdicts, but for signs of whether justice in Uganda still stands independent and strong.

ashleymwesigye@gmail.com

devonsuubi@c-news.ug

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