Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a controversial amendment that reinstates the military’s power to try civilians under certain conditions, sparking widespread criticism from opposition leaders and human rights activists.
The amendment comes just months after the Supreme Court ruled in January that military trials for civilians were unconstitutional, citing lack of impartiality and competence. The new law, however, allows civilians to be subjected to military jurisdiction if they are found in possession of military equipment such as firearms or uniforms.
Human rights groups have long opposed the military courts, accusing the government of using them to suppress dissent. Activists claim that critics of Museveni’s government are often targeted, detained, and subjected to unfair trials. “If you are a political opponent then they will find a way of getting you under the military court,” human rights lawyer Gawaya Tegulle said, adding that those convicted face harsher penalties and may spend years in detention without trial.
Despite assurances that the amendment addresses previous flaws—requiring tribunal judges to have legal qualifications and maintain impartiality—critics remain unconvinced. Opposition leader Bobi Wine accused the government of using the law to silence its critics, stating, “All of us in the opposition are being targeted by the act.”
The law was passed by Parliament amid a boycott by opposition lawmakers and heavy police presence. Museveni has defended the move, arguing that military courts are essential for dealing with armed criminals and safeguarding national security. “The law will deal decisively with armed violent criminals,” army spokesperson Col Chris Magezi said on X (formerly Twitter).
A high-profile case underscoring these concerns involved veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who was arrested in Kenya and charged in a Ugandan military court. Those charges were dropped only after the Supreme Court’s January ruling forced the case into civilian jurisdiction.
Museveni, in power since 1986, has rejected the Supreme Court’s earlier decision as “wrong,” asserting that the judiciary should not override what he calls the will of the people.
The reinstatement of military trials raises deep concerns over judicial independence and the state of democracy in Uganda.
