The General Court Martial has formally resumed operations today under Brigadier General Richard Tukachungurwa, following a suspension that lasted over a year.
The court’s return was marked by the opening of murder proceedings against Staff Sergeant Jotham Karamuzi, an NFA enforcement officer, and 11 civilians.
They face charges of murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the abduction, robbery, and subsequent killing of Geoffrey Munyarandizi Juma on December 1, 2025, in Kyanamukaaka, Masaka District.
The resumption follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, which halted the military court’s authority to try civilians and mandated institutional reforms, including the reconstitution of the court’s membership, before proceedings could continue.
However, the fate of several high-profile cases including those involving detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, remains uncertain, pending guidance from the Director of Military Prosecution.
Meanwhile, Besigye and Lutale’s legal team filed a petition with the Constitutional Court yesterday, seeking to nullify the UPDF Amendment Act, arguing that it contradicts several provisions of Uganda’s Constitution.
Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, also voiced concern over rumors that cases currently before civilian courts could be transferred to the General Court Martial, warning that such a move would undermine due process and threaten the authority of civilian courts.
By Alex Magala
12th Feb 2026
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