My situation is not unique, but represents the concerns of a nation. Today, it involves figures like Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale facing trial in military courts, tomorrow it could be any ordinary citizen caught in this predicament. The role of Members of Parliament is to represent the views and needs of the people they serve, not to echo the sentiments of the ruling government.

Recently, an empowering decision by the Supreme Court declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. This ruling is under threat by a move to overturn it by our Members of Parliament, led by the Speaker of Uganda Parliament, Right Honorable Anita Among.

The implications are serious and far-reaching. Military courts do not preserve the right to a fair trial as civilian courts do. Civilians subjected to these courts are stripped of their constitutional rights and face grave inequality. Furthermore, it goes against basic principles of natural justice and international human rights standards.

We need to remember that a democracy thrives when the supremacy of the law is preserved, and criminal justice is applied equitably. Around 75% of Ugandans believe that the judiciary operates independently from other state institutions, according to Afrobarometer. Let this faith in our judiciary system not be shaken by such decisions.

It is essential that Speaker Among and other Members of Parliament, remember their role to represent us, the people of Uganda, and uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling. Let us all stand together to maintain the separation of civilian and military jurisdiction. Let's ensure that the benchmark for democracy and human rights in our country is held high. We urge you to sign this petition and make our appeal heard.