By Editorial,
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice Frances Abodo, has rejected proposals from Members of Parliament to take over cases involving civilians being charged before the Court Martial, citing constitutional limitations and the need to respect judicial boundaries.
Speaking during her appearance before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Wednesday to present the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper for the DPP, Justice Abodo emphasized that her office is barred by Article 120 of the Constitution from interfering with proceedings at the Court Martial.
She was responding to a query from Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa, who urged the DPP to consider assuming jurisdiction over civilian cases in the Court Martial for help ensure fairness and consistency in the judicial process. The debate around the trial of civilians in military courts has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it undermines the principles of justice and human rights. END