Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a controversial bill allowing military tribunals to try civilians, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups who say it directly contradicts a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
Parliament confirmed the decision on Monday, posting on social media platform X: “President @KagutaMuseveni has assented to The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025.”
The legislation, passed by lawmakers last month, effectively revives a practice previously declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, which banned the military prosecution of civilians following a series of legal challenges. That ruling led to the transfer of high-profile cases — including one against longtime opposition figure Kizza Besigye — from military to civilian courts.
Rights campaigners have repeatedly accused the Museveni government of using military courts to silence dissent and target political opponents. The government, however, insists that only civilians involved in armed political violence are subject to military prosecution.
The army welcomed the new law, with its spokesperson saying it would help “deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes.”
However, opposition leaders say the new law is a direct violation of the court’s verdict and undermines constitutional protections for civilians. Legal experts suggest that Uganda’s courts may be asked to intervene again if citizens file a petition challenging the new legislation.
President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is expected to seek re-election next year. His most prominent challenger, opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine, was himself once charged by a military tribunal for illegal possession of firearms — charges that were later dropped amid public outcry and international criticism.
Melissa Enoch
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