Uganda’s Parliament has passed an amended law permitting the military to prosecute civilians, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil rights advocates who say it undermines the country’s judicial independence.
The bill, approved on Tuesday, directly contradicts a Supreme Court ruling issued in January that declared the practice unconstitutional. The court had concluded that military tribunals lacked the legal competence and impartiality required for civilian trials.
Despite this, the revised legislation sailed through Parliament, reigniting debate over the military’s expanding role in Uganda’s political and legal arenas.
Government Stands Firm on Security Grounds
The law is now awaiting President Yoweri Museveni’s signature to take effect. Military officials have defended the amendment, saying it is necessary to safeguard national security.
Brigadier Chris Magezi, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), stated that the legislation will enable authorities to “decisively confront armed violent criminals” and prevent the emergence of groups that threaten democratic order.
“This law ensures that national security rests on a firm foundation,” Magezi said.
Military Praise, Opposition Dissent
Celebrating the bill’s passage, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander of the UPDF and son of the President, thanked lawmakers on social media, describing them as “fearless patriots” whose decision would be remembered for its boldness.
However, opposition leaders slammed the move as a dangerous reversal of legal progress. Member of Parliament Jonathan Odur called the bill “unreasonable and unconstitutional,” warning it lacks any credible legal basis for extending military jurisdiction over civilians.
“There is no justification for trying civilians in courts meant for soldiers,” Odur said during the parliamentary session.
Besigye’s Case: A Turning Point?
The Supreme Court’s January ruling forced the government to transfer the high-profile case of Kizza Besigye—a former presidential challenger and long-time critic of Museveni—from a military tribunal to a civilian court.
Besigye had been arrested in Kenya in 2023 and returned to Uganda to face military charges including treason. His party, the People’s Front for Freedom, insists the charges were politically motivated, part of a broader pattern of state repression against the opposition.
Track Record of Military Courts Under Scrutiny
Uganda’s military courts have repeatedly come under fire from international rights groups. Human Rights Watch has accused them of failing to meet minimum standards of fairness, citing allegations of coerced confessions, lack of transparency, and political interference. These criticisms have been strongly denied by the Ugandan military.
The use of military courts to prosecute civilians is not new in Uganda. In 2018, opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine was also charged in a military court for allegedly possessing illegal firearms—charges that were eventually dropped.
Legal and Political Stakes
The bill’s passage, if signed into law, would mark a significant shift in Uganda’s judicial landscape and has raised questions about the country’s commitment to democratic norms and civil liberties.
As Uganda continues to navigate internal political tensions and prepare for future elections, the balance between national security and constitutional rights is increasingly under the spotlight—both at home and across the African continent.