In a move that has sparked widespread criticism from opposition figures and human rights organizations, the Ugandan Parliament has passed a controversial new bill that permits the trial of civilians in military courts — a decision that many view as a setback for justice and the rule of law.
The legislation was approved despite a clear ruling by the country’s Supreme Court in January, which declared such military trials unconstitutional and lacking in legal safeguards.
Military Praise vs. Civil Backlash
While opposition lawmakers and civil society groups denounced the new bill as a violation of fundamental rights, the military welcomed the legislation. Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly praised lawmakers and government officials for pushing the bill through Parliament.
“Today, you have shown yourselves to be true patriots who fear nothing,” Kainerugaba wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Uganda will remember your courage and commitment.”
Army spokesperson Chris Magezi said the law would provide the armed forces with robust tools to confront what he called “violent armed criminals” and extremist political groups seeking to destabilize the democratic process. He emphasized that the law would help maintain national security on firm footing.
Legal & Constitutional Concerns
Opposition voices, however, warned that the new law threatens civil liberties and undermines judicial independence. Jonathan Odur, an opposition MP, labeled the legislation “shallow, irrational, and unconstitutional,” adding that “there is no legal basis whatsoever for trying civilians in military courts.”
The move contradicts a January ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court, which explicitly banned the prosecution of civilians in military tribunals. The court argued that such courts lacked the necessary competence, impartiality, and legal framework to guarantee fair trials.
High-Profile Opposition Figures Targeted
The court ruling earlier this year had forced the government to transfer the case of prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye from military to civilian courts. Besigye, a long-time rival of President Yoweri Museveni and a four-time presidential candidate, was arrested in Kenya last year and deported to Uganda, where he was charged by a military court with treason.
Similarly, in 2018, opposition leader Bobi Wine faced charges in a military court for allegedly possessing illegal firearms — charges that were later dropped.
Human Rights Concerns
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch criticized Uganda’s military courts for failing to meet basic standards of competence, independence, and impartiality. The organization accused the military judiciary of routinely accepting evidence obtained through torture and violating fair trial standards — accusations the Ugandan military has firmly denied.
Awaiting Presidential Assent
Although Parliament has passed the bill, it still requires President Museveni’s signature to become law. Given the military’s strong endorsement and the president’s historical alignment with security forces, analysts expect the bill to be signed into law soon — potentially triggering a deeper legal and political crisis over the future of justice and civil rights in Uganda.
