Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a controversial amendment that once again allows civilians to face trial in military courts, under certain conditions.
This move directly follows a Supreme Court ruling in January 2025 that declared the previous law unconstitutional. The court had ruled that military tribunals lacked impartiality and judicial competence, according to a report by the International Society for Human Rights.
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Civilians Can Be Tried for Possession of Military Gear
Under the newly amended law, civilians found in possession of military equipment, such as guns, ammunition, or army uniforms, may now be transferred to military courts for prosecution.
Opposition politicians and human rights groups have long argued that such provisions are used by the state to target and silence government critics.
Parliament Passed Law Amid Protests, Boycott
The amendment was passed by Uganda’s Parliament in May 2025, amid heavy police deployment and a boycott by opposition legislators, who contended that the bill violated the January court ruling.
Despite public outcry, Museveni moved forward with the signing, stating that the amendment “addresses critical legal gaps in national security enforcement.”
New Law Includes ‘Safeguards’ on Impartiality
In what appears to be a response to the Supreme Court’s criticisms, the law now includes safeguards such as:
- Requiring tribunal judges to have formal legal qualifications and training
- Stating that they must act independently and impartially
However, activists remain skeptical, noting that past misuse of military courts included planted evidence and denial of legal representation.
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Critics: Law Opens Door to Persecution
Activists and civil society organizations argue that despite the tweaks, the law fundamentally undermines civil liberties.
“Military courts have long been tools of repression in Uganda,” said a human rights lawyer based in Kampala. “This amendment is a backdoor way of reinstating political persecution.”
