The Ugandan government plans to introduce new legislation that would permit military courts to try civilians for specific offenses, despite a previous Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the practice.
- New legislation in Uganda may allow military courts to try civilians for specific offenses.
- Human rights groups and opposition leaders are concerned about the potential for targeting political opponents and suppressing dissent.
- The government insists the law is necessary for national security and denies abuse allegations.
The Ugandan government plans to introduce new legislation that would permit military courts to try civilians for specific offenses, despite a previous Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the practice.
This move has sparked concern among human rights groups and opposition leaders, who argue that military tribunals have historically been used to target political opponents and suppress dissent, Reuters reported.
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Critics say President Yoweri Museveni’s administration has routinely relied on military courts to prosecute opposition figures and activists on charges they claim are politically motivated.
They argue that bringing civilians before military judges undermines the fairness and impartiality of the justice system. However, the government insists that the law is necessary for national security and has rejected abuse allegations.
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In January 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military courts lack jurisdiction to try civilians, ordering the immediate transfer of such cases to civilian courts. This decision impacted high-profile cases, including that of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who had been facing charges in a military tribunal.
Despite the ruling, the Ugandan government is drafting new legislation to permit military tribunals to try civilians under “exceptional circumstances.” Justice Minister Nobert Mao stated that the proposed law awaits cabinet approval before being introduced to parliament. If enacted, it could potentially return Besigye’s case to a military court.
