By Spy Uganda
A fresh wave of political and security debate has erupted after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reconstituted the General Court Martial and appointed new chairpersons for Division and Unit Court Martials. The appointments, contained in a letter dated November 25, 2025 and addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, come just weeks before the January 2026 general elections, raising eyebrows and reviving memories of how the military court has been used in past election seasons.
President Museveni named Brig. Gen. Tukachungurwa Richard as the new head of the General Court Martial and appointed nine senior officers as members: Col. Wankandya Simon Tusah, Col. Asha Patra, Col. Kangwamu Fredrick, Col. Mugisha Raphael, Lt. Col. Igambi Mohammedie Nasser, Maj. Amoodi Samuel Moses, Maj. Arihaihi Emmanuel, Maj. Nyombi Abubaker and Maj. Chemtai Denis.
Two new chairpersons were appointed to Division Court Martials: Lt. Col. Drani Epalu David for Fourth Division and Lt. Col. Mulyanti Yaqoub Hassan for the Special Forces Group.
The General Court Martial is legally mandated to handle cases involving military personnel under the UPDF Act, but its history of trying civilians during politically sensitive periods has earned it a controversial reputation. Limited access to bail, swift militarized procedures, firearm-related charges and its use against dissenting voices have contributed to its portrayal as a draconian institution.
Its past activity particularly intensifies scrutiny. During the 2016 election cycle, several opposition-leaning youth activists were arrested and processed through military courts. The 2021 elections were marked by even more aggressive use of the court martial, with dozens of NUP supporters charged, including the group popularly known as the “Masaka Boys.” Many spent months in detention without trial, prompting widespread criticism from human rights groups who accused the state of militarizing justice.
With Uganda now entering another heated election season, the timing of this reconstitution has triggered questions about whether the state is preparing for politically charged arrests or simply undertaking routine administrative updates. Security agencies argue that elections often attract criminal activity and that a strong military court helps maintain order. Others see it as a possible political signal meant to deter disorder or as part of a broader internal reorganization under CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Government officials describe the changes as normal administrative renewal. However, opposition figures, civil society groups and political analysts remain uneasy, citing the court’s historical role during elections. To them, the reactivation of the Court Martial at such a critical moment is unlikely to be dismissed as coincidence.
As the country moves toward the 2026 polls, attention will now turn to whether civilians will again find themselves before military judges, whether opposition mobilizers will face fresh arrests and whether the election environment will mirror previous cycles. What remains clear is that Uganda enters the election period with a fully reconstituted and empowered Court Martial, an institution that has repeatedly shaped political moments in the past.
